Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV)
PIV involves examining the motion of particles in a given space. This results in excessively large amounts of data being produced, which must be analysed as quickly as possible in order to produce successive motion vector distributions. Electronic systems only achieve this on small areas due to their resolution and speed limitations. CCL is currently looking to form collaborative projects using the optical correlator to quickly analyse much larger areas and so provide a true real-time solution.

Vibration Analysis
With an industrial partner, CCL is currently working towards a vibration analysis system, for both low (sub 10kHz) and high (above 10kHz) vibration analysis.  Current analysis techniques, such as accelerometer-based systems, require contact with the structure under test.  With the correlator no such contact is required and furthermore, areas may be examined rather than points, which limit the functionality of current systems.

Low frequency vibrations may be detected and measured using the correlator as a comparator, comparing sequential frames from a high-speed camera.  High frequency tests, which involve measuring frequencies with small amplitudes, are likely to involve the use of an interferometer-based system, using the correlator to examine fringe patterns.

It is hoped that the application may then be extended to Condition Monitoring, where products may be examined for internal weaknesses by way of the fringe patterns produced when under vibration conditions.