High speed imaging in the visible and infrared

Purpose – To present the specifications and the technologies underpinning some new high‐speed cameras, and explore their applications.Design/methodology/approach – Describes the industrial, military and other applications of high‐speed imaging. Traces the recent technical developments in sensors for visible and infrared light. Then describes some specific high‐speed cameras.Findings – CMOS sensors have now taken over from CCD in high‐speed visible cameras. Microbolometers have made low‐cost uncooled cameras available for infrared imaging. Applications range from serious research and development topics, such as air‐bag and seat‐belt performance and combustion studies, to investigations of natural phenomena and analysis of sports equipment.Originality/value – Monitors the progress of imaging technology and describes its current capabilities to the interested reader.