Miniature Light Sources for Timing Signal Recording

Photooptical recording of timing signals on the edge of motion-picture films is a regular requirement on many cameras used by the aerospace industry. The recording consists of regularly spaced, fine-line timing marks, plus pulse-width modulated rectangular blocks which define discrete time codes at regular intervals. Several previous papers have defined the problems of using miniature neon or argon lamps to record timing signals. Some improvements in mechanical-optical packaging have been proposed. This paper presents neon lamp data on new types, standard vs. high brightness, more certain ionization and “keep alive” circuits, lamp current vs. life, and operating ranges. Improvement in optical efficiency of signal recording blocks is examined. Wider operating range and more reliable recording by use of new electroluminescent (EL) diodes is considered. Sample 16mm recordings at 4 to 600 frames/s are analyzed. Available EL diodes with visible range emission are listed.

Print ISSN

0361-4573

Published

1968-03

Content type

Original Research

DOI

10.5594/J07028