Abstract

Spectroscopic diagnostics based on tunable diode lasers offer considerable promise for applications ranging from fundamental research on gaseous flows to process monitoring. In this presentation we review recent progress in the evolution of diode laser Scheines for both line-of-sight absorption and laser-induced fluorescence detect-on of gas-dynamic parameters such as species concentration, temperature, velocity, pressure, and multi-parameter quantities such as mass and momentum flux. Species monitored and laser wavelengths used include: O₂ at 760 nm; O at 777 nm; Xe at 823 nm; Ar at 843 nm; and H₂O at 1.4 microns. Measurements have been made in a wide variety of systems including static cells, a flat flame burner, a low pressure electric discharge, an atmospheric-pressure plasma torch, and both a shock tube and a shock tunnel. These facilities have enabled access to a range of temperatures (300 to 12,000 K) and velocities (static to hypersonic velocities of a few km/sec).

© 1995 Optical Society of America