A new continuous light source for high-speed imaging

Xenon arc lamps have been identified as a suitable continuous light source for high-speed imaging, specifically high-speed Schlieren and shadowgraphy. One issue when setting us such systems is the time that it takes to reduce a finite source to the approximation of a point source for z-type schlieren. A preliminary design of a compact compound lens for use with a commercial Xenon arc lamp was tested for suitability. While it was found that there is some dimming of the illumination at the spot periphery, the overall spectral and luminance distribution of the compact source is quite acceptable, especially considering the time benefit that it represents.