Abstract: A transducer and system for optically indicating the level of stress experienced during loading. The system is designed for use in shock loading conditions. The transducer uses a transducer piece made from a crystalline luminescent material such as ruby. The transducer piece is preferably positioned between one or two support pieces, preferably along flat faces to create a uniform stress field within a limited detection area. The system uses the luminescent output from the detection area to produce a spectral output with time using a spectrometer and streak camera. The streak camera output is advantageously converted to digital signals for storage and analysis.