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Brief Light Pulses using Kerr Cells

Abstract

IN connexion with certain studies of electrical discharges, we have found it necessary to develop an extremely fast shutter for photography. The electro-optic Kerr effect is used. Mounted 5·1 mm. apart in nitrobenzene in a glass Kerr cell, the electrodes are 12·7 mm. wide and 20·3 mm. long. Selected pieces of ‘Polaroid J' film are placed outside the fused-on windows. The cells are subjected to single pulses of about 12,500 volts from a hydrogen thyratron and RLC pulse-forming network, thus admitting light to the lens of an ordinary camera. We have been photographing such intensely self-luminous objects as sparks and electrically exploded wires with exposures of a microsecond or less.

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CADY, W., ZAREM, A. Brief Light Pulses using Kerr Cells. Nature 162, 528–529 (1948). https://doi.org/10.1038/162528b0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/162528b0

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