Camera System for Hot Exhaust Streams

To address the Air Force need for a color camera insertable into viewing probes for testing of the hot, high-speed, exhaust streams of gas turbine engines and hypersonic systems, Intellisense Systems, Inc. (Intellisense) proposes to develop a new Camera System for Hot Exhaust Streams (CASES). This advanced diagnostics system is based on a novel electronics and optics design that utilizes mature semiconductor components, including sensor chips and specially designed electronics. The electronics includes readout from the sensor chip, network and synchronization control, as well as control of exposure (shutter speed and gain). Specifically, the innovation in electronic design will enable CASES to operate at high temperature up to 160°F while providing a high frame rate (to 100 Hz) with high resolution (1600x1200), all within a compact package with a diameter of 1/8 in. The innovative optical design, which includes forward pupil placement of the CASES lens, circumvents obscuration caused by the probe’s aperture and thus increases field of view. Additionally, an infrared rejecting filter is incorporated to protect the CASES optics from overheating. As a result, CASES will meet major objective specifications and overcome such deficiencies as network connectivity and low spatial resolution, directly addressing the requirements of combustion-driven test facilities. In Phase I, Intellisense will develop a proof-of-principal camera technology design capable of satisfying all objective requirements. A laboratory demonstration that the prototype components meet the vibrational and temperature requirements for extended periods of time (2 hr) will be performed to demonstrate the feasibility of CASES. In Phase II, Intellisense plans to develop a prototype of CASES that satisfies objective requirements and demonstrate its performance in a relevant environment for 100 hr, or until failure. Intellisense will produce and evaluate four more working prototype CASES that incorporate lessons learned to achieve a sufficiently robust and reliable camera technology that meets all objective requirements and/or stretch goals.