A groundbreaking new technology is allowing scientists to see inside spinning engines and tools with remarkable clarity, even while they are running at incredibly high speeds.
This innovation, developed by researchers at Jinan University in China, is called “virtual time freezing.”
It offers a way to capture real-time images of fast-spinning objects without the usual blur and graininess that come from their rapid motion.
Normally, imaging things like jet engine blades or industrial cutting tools while they are in motion is extremely difficult.
High-speed cameras can help, but they are expensive and can’t be used for long periods.
Slowing down the camera’s exposure can sometimes work, but it often results in noisy, low-quality images because fewer light particles are captured.
That’s where the virtual time-freezing method comes in—it makes it look like the spinning object is standing still, allowing for sharp, detailed images.
The new imaging system, which was described in the journal Optics Letters, is built around a single-pixel detector and a technique called structured illumination.
Instead of using a standard camera, the researchers project patterns of light onto the spinning object.
These light patterns are synchronized with the object’s rotation, almost like setting a timer to match the rhythm of its movement. A single-pixel detector then picks up the changes in light intensity, which a computer uses to piece together a clear image.
According to Zibang Zhang, a member of the research team, the system works like painting a sunrise day by day.
Even though the sun moves, an artist can capture the whole scene by painting a little bit each day at the same time. Similarly, the system “paints” a complete image of the spinning object by capturing small fragments of its motion, perfectly synchronized to the light patterns.
To make sure everything stays in sync, the researchers use a laser aimed at one of the blades of the rotating object.
When the blade passes by, it triggers a signal—like an alarm clock going off—that tells the projector to switch to the next pattern. This method is precise enough to capture images of objects spinning at up to 14,700 revolutions per minute (rpm), which is roughly the speed of a powerful CPU cooling fan.
The research team demonstrated their technology on a model jet engine about 11 centimeters in diameter and a CPU fan. Both were captured in clear detail, revealing potential wear and tear that could otherwise go unnoticed.
The technology could be a game-changer for many industries. It can be used to monitor turbine blades in power plants, detect cracks or damage in high-speed cutting tools, and even check the condition of fan blades in jet engines—all without stopping the machines. This means safer operation, less maintenance downtime, and potentially longer lifespans for critical equipment.
In the future, the researchers hope to make the system more portable and easier to integrate into real-world machinery, including aircraft engines and manufacturing tools. This could pave the way for smarter, safer technology in everything from airplanes to home appliances like blenders and air conditioners.
Virtual time-freezing might just be the key to unlocking new levels of safety and efficiency in modern technology.
