Reflected UV photography using a MCP Amplified Camera System

Today about an experiment I have done, using a light amplification device in front of a normal visible light camera for recording reflected UV images. This device uses a MCP (multi channel plate) with UV sensitive photocathode (approx. 190nm - 650nm), amplifies the light by approx. 20-50.000 and shows that image then on a green phosphor screen. Using a suitable optical system, I relayed this image to my normal, visible light camera. UV filter used was a fully IR blocked (OD6) UV transmission filter (peak 350nm).

[click on image gets you a larger image]

Some of the UV images which I recorded just for a few tests...

Using a 50mm quartz fluorite lens:

Using a 300mm catadioptric lens:

Rudbeckia close-up showing its prominent UV pattern:

 

Sedum close-up:

Tea candle inside showing how sensitive this system is:

It took a bit of experimenting to get this right, but now I have a range of useful lenses for this, working from far away up to close-up.

This system shows quite some usefulness, especially under low light conditions, or when it is about recording deeper in UV where a normal full spectrum camera is not sensitive anymore.

I have done similar with a different amplified camera system before which did not allow to have an external camera attached, with just a TV output HERE

Stay tuned, more will follow on that fascinating subject...

More info on this very interesting field may be found on my site http://www.pbase.com/kds315/uv_photos