Time dispersion effects in a multiple-beam storage, image tube framing camera

Abstract

An image tube framing camera, employing multiple reflection in crossed electric and magnetic fields in an electron image store, has been further evaluated for high speed photography. In particular, time dispersion across the multiple images has been studied both theoretically and experimentally. The various causes of this time dispersion are considered in detail and ways to minimize its effect in practice are suggested. Up to nine frames, with spatial resolution of 10 line pairs per mm, have been recorded. Application of the device to giant pulse laser photography is discussed and the growth of an argon spark discharge over a period of 250 ns has been recorded in five consecutive frames of 50 ns duration. 5 ns frames of an 8 mm image, at 2 × 108 frames per second, should be achievable with less than 10% time dispersion within each frame.