Compensating for the Phosphorescent Persistence in Intensified Cameras for Micro-PIV

Micro-PIV experiments rely upon the use of a microscope to achieve the higher spatial resolution. However, several optical limitations are introduced at these scales [1–3]. In addition, due to the low illumination levels, micro-PIV experiments require the use of either a cooled CCD camera or an image intensifier to provide increased signal-to-noise ratio. Although CCD cameras offer superior sensitivity and signal to noise ratio, intensified CMOS cameras offer an attractive alternative for performing high frequency measurements. However, intensified cameras are known to introduce artifacts such as added background noise. This study examines these issues and the feasibility of employing such technologies for microPIV through the use of the IDT-X5 intensified CMOS camera, capable of 500 Hz at a resolution of 2352×1728 pixels, with pulse separations as low as 2μs.