Fast Optical Imaging Techniques

The distinction between detectors for imaging and spectroscopy is becoming increasingly blurred. The use of two-dimensional detectors to allow the recording of many spectra simultaneously is rapidly becoming an essential part of many experimental set-ups where the requirement is to look at temporal or spatial spectral variations within one experiment. In many applications there is a need for good time resolution. Traditional systems are used that operate at the rate of 50 or 60 Hz commonly used by standard TV cameras. This paper will look at the limitations that are encountered in trying to take fluorescent images at much higher repetition (frame) rates.