The NHK Science & Technical Research Laboratories has succeeded
in capturing an image of the luminescence of a mushroom (Tsukiyo-take;
Lampteromyces Japonicus) using an ultrahigh sensitivity HDTV (high-definition
television) handheld camera.
Although it had been known that the Tsukiyo-take luminesces (self-luminescence),
the emitted light was too faint to be megascopic, and proved difficult
to capture by TV camera.
This time, NHK employed an ultrahigh sensitivity HARP camera*
in an intermittent read-out mode (6 second stored time), and successfully
captured a luminous Tsukiyo-take emitting green light. (The above
picture was taken on a mountain in the southern part of Nara Prefecture
without the use of any lighting at around 2 a.m. last October. )
*: This long period intermittent read-out was achieved
by a drastic reduction of dark current at the New Super-HARP camera
tube, considered to be the heart of the camera.
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We have long been promoting the
development of technology to contribute to the creation of a new
broadcasting culture. Our efforts are based on the idea that broadcasting
is a cultural creation activity based on the very latest science
and technology. What does this contribution to cultural creation
through technology really mean? What does it include?
When oil paint was invented, the significant improvement it provided
in the range of color expression and preservability made it easier
for the artist to transfer the images from his imagination onto
the canvas and be confident of their long-term survival. As a result,
many people, from that time on, have been able to enjoy and appreciate
their paintings. I believe that this is an example of cultural creation
utilizing the latest technology of the time, in this case, oil paint.
The NHK Science & Technical Research Laboratories is also working
on research by which new "oil paints," new methods of
expression based on 21st century technology, can be given to modern
video artists, producers and directors.
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Osamu YAMADA, publisher, Director-General
Junji KUMADA, editor-in-chief
Naoki KAWAI, editor
Kazumasa KOBAYASHI, editor
Yasushige ASHINA, editor
Takashi KAWAI, editor
Hiroyuki KOYAMA, editor
Layout & Design :
Yohko OHTA, Masami OHNISHI,
DTP : Media-jin, Inc.
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