Vision Research introduces the Phantom TMX Series which features the first high-speed cameras to utilize backside-illuminated (BSI) sensors. The design improves light sensitivity and efficiency and allows shooting in extremely high FPS ( above 70,000 Frames Per Second).

Phantom TMX series: World’s first high-speed cameras with BSI sensor

The new Phantom TMX series which includes two models (7510 and 6410) is the world’s only high-speed camera to utilize backside illumination sensor technology. The cameras are capable of reaching 76,000 fps at a resolution of 1280 x 800.  Lower resolutions produce up to 1.75M fps in FAST mode. Yes, you read correct – 1,750,000 FPS at 1280 x 32 resolution. The backside illumination (BSI or BI) sensor design, is a type of digital image sensor that uses a novel arrangement of the imaging elements to increase the amount of light captured and thereby improve low-light performance. Thus, BSI technology in the TMX cameras offers much larger resolutions than available in cameras with FSI technology.   

BSI and ultra-high FPS

The BSI architecture provides two main benefits that high-speed cameras can benefit from. The first is improved light sensitivity and Quantum Efficiency because the photodiode is closer to the light source and not impeded by metal circuitry. The second is maintained throughput as frame rates increase because the metal behind the photodiode can be redesigned for higher efficiency. Simply said, as frame rates increase, the BSI technology in TMX can offer much larger resolutions than available in cameras with FSI technology.   

TMX 7510 and TMX 6410

The Phantom TMX Series consists of two models, TMX 7510 and TMX 6410, designed to provide true high-speed performance. TMX 7510 achieves 76,000 frames per second (fps) at full 1-Megapixel (1-Mpx) resolution of 1280 x 800, over 300,000 fps at 1280 x 192 resolution, and over 770,000 fps at smaller resolutions. With the export-controlled FAST option, TMX 7510 reaches a blistering 1.75 Million fps and 95 nanoseconds (ns) minimum exposure time, eliminating motion blur. This enables precise motion analysis for extremely fast applications.

70,000 FPS in 1280 x 800 pixels

In order to shoot with these very high frame rates, the TMX Series are very light sensitive, with a native ISO rating of 40,000D for monochrome sensors and 12,500D for color sensors. Furthermore, the TMX cameras come with the full suite of Phantom Features and blend seamlessly with existing Phantom high-speed cameras. Data management solutions include standard 10Gb Ethernet, internal RAM options of up to 512 GB, and the ability to partition memory up to 511 times for repeat experiments.  The Phantom CineMag® non-volatile memory, available in 2 or 8TBs allows for fast downloading and easy storage. Jay Stepleton, Vice President and General Manager of Vision Research states: “In bringing BSI technology to high-speed applications in a new, cutting-edge sensor, we continue to advance high-speed capabilities through innovation. We designed the TMX cameras for speed, to support the very high frame rate requirements we see in many new and cutting-edge applications.”

In bringing BSI technology to high-speed applications in a new, cutting-edge sensor, we continue to advance high-speed capabilities through innovation. We designed the TMX cameras for speed, to support the very high frame rate requirements we see in many new and cutting-edge applications.

Jay Stepleton, Vice President and General Manager of Vision Research

Key Specifications

• 1-Mpx sensor (1280 x 800)
• Throughput: TMX 7510 – 75 Gpx/sec; TMX 6410 – 64 Gpx/sec
• Maximum frame rate at 1280 x 800: TMX7510 – 76,000 fps; TMX 6410 – 64,940 fps
• Maximum frame rate with export-controlled FAST option: TMX 7510 – 1.75 Million fps; TMX 6410 – 1.5 Million fps
• ISO measurement: 40,000D (mono), 12,500D (color)
• 1 µs minimum exposure standard, 95 ns minimum exposure with export-controlled FAST option
• Standard and binning modes
• Up to 512 GB of memory
• 10Gb Ethernet standard
• Compatible with CineMag® V (up to 8 TB)

Lens mounts

Like most Phantom cameras the TMX 7510 has interchangeable lens mounts (PL, C, M42, and Canon EOS) which enables the use of high quality and specialized optics without limitation. The camera mount can be customized for each particular test as needed. BTW, regarding price, don’t expect it to be less than $60,000 for the body.

Final thoughts

Although the Phantoms are being extensively used in high-end cinema productions when ultra-high FPS is needed (above 1,000), the TMX series is aimed for research and scientific applications. For instance, check out this glass-breaking video below, which demonstrates the Phantom TMX 7510 in 450,000 frames per second at 640 x 256 resolution. As said by Vision Research: “When it’s too fast to see, and too important not to”.