Abstract
Laser spark ignition of chemically reactive gases was first considered in 1969. It took nearly one decade until the first successful engine test was performed. In the years thereafter, considerable basic research work was carried out to understand plasma formation and flame kernel development. A discussion of several concepts for a successful laser ignition scheme was indispensable and useful. In this context also fiber transport of ns pulses had to be studied. Eventually, several research groups turned their attention towards a laser sparkplug for each individual cylinder. A number of different prototypes were developed, i.e. transversally or longitudinally, directly or fiber-transmission pumped predominantly Nd:YAG lasers. Cylinder window studies have shown that the problem of window failing can be avoided. In order to improve simplicity, reliability and cost, power VCSEL arrays may represent perfectly suiting pump sources allowing for easy collimation of the pump radiation with respect to the laser geometry. In this case of direct (non fi-ber-coupled) pump arrangement both, the solid-state as well as the diode lasers, have to tolerate the elevated temperature level in cylinder proximity which still represents one of the major problems in laser ignition of car engines.
© 2015 Optical Society of America
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