This video demonstrates the use of a neuromorphic camera to image the jet of a rocket launch. The neuromorphic camera is “event based” meaning that it doesn’t capture images as frames using a shutter, but instead each individual pixel operates independently.

I appreciate the science aspect, as the intense brightness of a rocket launch usually prevents the structures of the plume from being easily discernible. However, with a neuromorphic camera, boundaries between the plume and the stagnant air are clearly shown. Shocks and instabilities such as Kevin-Helmholtz are also distinctly evident.

Artistically, the choice of color map to depict the rocket plume, and the debris from the launch firing off in various directions is reminiscent of fireworks. The violent nature of a launch is captured, as it looks like a series of successive explosions propelling the shuttle with the event camera.

This video was created by Dr. Alexandre Marcireau at the International Center for Neuromorphic Systems (ICNS).