FlashLED: A Reusable Extended Light Source

ABSTRACT: Nanohmics proposes to develop the FlashLED, a reusable extended artificial light source. Using commercial off the shelf (COTS) light emitting diodes (LEDs) and custom optics, it is possible to create a lighting system that matches the luminous output of the flash bulb with triggerability and intensity rise-time on the nanosecond timescale. The complete system will be expandable and offer synchronization between the flash units via both wired and wireless pathways. COTS white LEDs are tightly binned for spectral output in a wide variety of color temperatures, including 3800K, and monochromatic versions are available for special imaging applications. The reusable nature of the system combined with the fast rise times of LEDs also allow for the flash to fire multiple times per test in synchronicity with the image acquisition. The solid state nature of the LEDs and their drive electronics allow them to withstand high mechanical shock values induced by passing rocket sleds or explosions. Additionally, each unit will have an easily replaceable sheet, constructed from impact resistant polymer, to protect the custom optic from damage by shrapnel generated from a test event. BENEFIT: Flash illumination is a complex and varied market with hundreds of use cases and almost as many ways to create flashes, whether the lamp is dedicated to a single task or multiple tasks in a single device. Frost & Sullivan put the strobe illumination market at $2.25 billion in 2009. This includes all major uses from personal and commercial to scientific and filming. The scientific and technical markets are likely between $100M-200M per year. Markets for flash illumination include Military, Automotive, Industrial/Environmental, Food Industry, Manufacturing, Filming and Medical.