The CRYSTA NOVA P16 is the newest Photron release, a high-speed polarization imaging camera built to detect internal stress in transparent and semi-transparent materials with remarkable precision. It offers real-time visualization and high-frame-rate recording, making it a valuable asset for researchers and engineers working with fragile or dynamic materials, and supports process evaluation across multiple industries.
High Speed Imaging with Polarization Data
The CRYSTA NOVA P16 is a polarization imaging camera used to quantify and measure physical stress in transparent and semi-transparent fluids and solids. With features like optical retardation and azimuth angle, this high speed polarization camera can reveal how internal stress changes over time, even in materials that show no visible surface deformation.
The system offers up to 16,000 fps at 1,024 x 1,204 pixels or at 1.1 million fps when running in reduced resolution. It’s built to capture two-dimensional analysis of birefringence measurements, film thickness analysis, and surface roughness inspection, and is a powerful tool to understand the functions of birefringence, retardation, and impact fracture mechanisms of materials and fluids. It also allows users to monitor live behavior or record detailed footage for later analysis.
CRYSTA NOVA P16 Performance Features
Unlike systems that require external modulation to analyze polarization, the CRYSTA NOVA P16 features a fully integrated 2D birefringence measurement design. At its core is a pixelated polarizer array created from a photonic crystal layer bonded directly to the CMOS sensor.
Each pixel is paired with a polarizer measuring 20 µm x 20 µm, with orientations arranged at 0°, 45°, 90°, and 135° in repeating groups of four. This layout enables accurate frame-by-frame polarization measurements at each pixel without the need for moving parts, making the system more stable and resistant to vibration.
Light data collected by each pixel is processed through 16 parallel readout circuits and quantized via multi-channel A/D converters. These are stored for post-capture phase-shift analysis, enabling high-resolution, time-sequenced imaging of stress development.
Frame Rates
- 1,024 x 1,204 pixels @ 16,00 fps
- 1,024 x 768 pixels @ 20,000 fps
- 1,024 x 512 pixels @ 30,000 fps
- 640 x 640 pixels @ 36,000 fps
- 512 x 512 pixels @ 50,000 fps
Features
- 500-550nm polarization operating wavelength
- Variable Region of Interest (ROI)
- Capture 12-bit uncompressed data
- 20 μm pixels for light sensitivity in demanding high-speed or low-light applications
- Phase lock to IRIG/GPS
- HD-SDI outputs for real-time monitoring during setup, recording, and playback
- Optional remote keypad control with integrated viewfinder
- 128GB memory option for 5.46 seconds recording at 16,000 fps
- 10-Gigabit Ethernet interface
- Fast Drive optional storage
Applications in Stress and Strain Analysis
The CRYSTA NOVA P16 is ideal for researchers, product developers, and engineers who need to study stress distribution in transparent or semi-transparent materials. Common uses include:
- Material Testing: Detect internal strain in plastics, glass, and composites
- Failure Prediction: Monitor how stress accumulates leading up to structural breakdown
- Manufacturing Process Monitoring: Observe stress changes caused by thermal or mechanical input
- Design Optimization: Pinpoint areas of high stress in prototypes to improve product durability
Whether you're analyzing high-speed fracture events or monitoring stress changes over time, the CRYSTA NOVA P16 allows for detailed and quantifiable visualization of internal material behavior. This level of detail helps teams understand how materials behave under load or during rapid events such as impact or vibration.
Real-Time Results for Demanding Environments
One of the CRYSTA NOVA P16’s advantages is its ability to output birefringence images in real time. This feature supports lab-based experimentation as well as on-site inspection. Whether integrated into a research setup or used for industrial testing, the system helps reduce uncertainty by providing immediate data feedback. This is especially useful for iterative testing environments, where immediate feedback can guide design improvements or experimental adjustments.
With its combination of speed, sensitivity, and advanced polarization capture, the CRYSTA NOVA P16 is a reliable and efficient tool for studying stress in motion. Its integrated architecture and streamlined workflow help researchers and engineers obtain meaningful results without unnecessary complexity or setup time.
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If you are looking for custom-engineered high-speed cameras to meet your needs, our Tech Imaging team is here to assist you. To speak to one of our representatives, call 800-613-8180 or contact us online if you have questions.