Modeling of three-dimensional camera imaging in a tokamak torus

A procedure is described for precision modeling of the views for imaging diagnostics monitoring tokamak internal components, particularly high heat flux divertor components. Such modeling is required to enable predictions of resolution and viewing angle for the available viewing locations. Since oblique views are typically expected for tokamak divertors, fully three-dimensional (3D) perspective imaging is required. A suite of matched 3D CAD, graphics and animation applications are used to provide a fast and flexible technique for reproducing these views. An analytic calculation of the resolution and viewing incidence angle is developed to validate the results of the modeling procedures. The tokamak physics experiment (TPX) diagnostics1 for infrared viewing are used as an example to demonstrate the implementation of the tools. As is generally the case in tokamak experiments, the available diagnostic locations for TPX are severely constrained by access limitations and the resulting images can be marginal in both resolution and viewing incidence angle. The procedures described here provide a complete design tool for in-vessel viewing, both for camera location and for identification of viewed surfaces. Additionally, these same tools can be used for the interpretation of the actual images obtained by the diagnostic cameras. copyright 1997 American Institute of Physics