Modulated Arc Lamp System
Illumination that measures. High-intensity xenon illumination with independent on-time and off-time modulation — turning bubble traces into dashed streamlines for real-time flow velocity measurement.
ms on- and off-time
m/s flow traced
W Cermax lamp
hours bulb life
What it does
The ALS3 uses Cermax high-intensity short-arc xenon lamps — focused output, extremely high brightness, safe operation. These lamps provide higher brightness levels than any other commercially available incoherent light source.
What distinguishes the system is the modulator built into the power supply. On-time and off-time are set independently, each from 1.0 to 50 milliseconds. A continuously illuminated bubble draws a solid trace; a modulated one draws a dashed trace where every dash is a known interval. Measure the spacing and you have velocity — of the bubble, and therefore of the air.
This is the configuration for high-speed work and for any test where the flow field needs to be quantified rather than only observed.
Optical shroud
The shroud carries a projection lens assembly for focusing the beam, and accepts interchangeable apertures that shape the output into a cone or a sheet depending on whether the flow is axisymmetric or two-dimensional.
Specifications
Modulation
| On-time | 1.0 ms to 50 ms |
| Off-time | 1.0 ms to 50 ms |
Beam
| Circular spread | 15–140 cm diameter @ 2 m |
| Rectangular spread | 10–16 cm × 48 cm @ 2 m |
| Focusing range | 1 m to infinity |
| Lens focal length | 160 mm each |
Lamp and power
| Lamp | Cermax short arc, 400 W or 500 W |
| Bulb life | 1000 hours |
| Cooling | Forced convection |
| Operating current | 20–32 A |
| Input voltage | 100–240 Vac |
Physical
| Optical shroud | 48.5 × 13 × 20 cm, 3.6 kg |
| Power supply | 28 × 34 × 19 cm |
What's included
- ALS3 power supply with built-in modulator
- Optical shroud with projection lens assembly
- Interchangeable apertures
- Setup and operation manual
- Calibration sheet
Use cases
- Wind tunnel testing at high velocity
- Quantitative velocity measurement from photographs
- Rotating machinery and fan flow
- Large test sections requiring high beam intensity
Works with
Model 5 Console
SAI 1035 Bubble Film Solution
Auxiliary Air & Helium Supply
Ordering
Ships within 15 days. One year warranty and technical support. Replacement arc lamps and lenses available.
Payment is required with order. For orders under US$2,500 we accept electronic funds transfer, credit card, PayPal or check; above that amount, electronic funds transfer or check. Purchase orders accepted, payment due before shipment.
We ship worldwide, direct from Pinetop, Arizona. Freight, duties and taxes are added to the cost of the system. The power supply accepts 100–240 Vac, so the system runs on any standard mains supply.
Tell us what you're trying to see.
Send us your test conditions — velocity, volume, and what you’re trying to visualize — and we’ll tell you what configuration fits, and what it costs.
Or call (928) 358-7313 · info@sageactioninc.com