Abstract

Wavelength-tunable diode lasers (TDLs), derived from the telecommunications industry, are convenient visible and near-infrared light sources for line-of-sight absorption spectroscopy. This presentation will provide an overview of work at Stanford University to develop and apply TDL sensors for non-intrusive monitoring of combustion and propulsion flows. Quantities of interest include temperature, species concentrations and mass flux. Examples will be drawn from successful applications in diverse facilities, including arcjets, aeroengine inlets, scramjets, piston engines, pulse detonation engines and shock tubes. Extensions of TDL sensing into the mid-infrared will be presented, including use of new tunable laser sources at 2.5-2.7 microns for improved detection of CO₂ and H₂O, and use of multiple-wavelength difference-frequency-generation laser sources for simultaneous measurements of fuel concentration and temperature in reactive gas flows and in multi-phase flows.

Please see the Colloquium Announcement for more details.

An informal coffee & cookie reception will be held prior to the lecture at 2:30 p.m. in the AAE/ARMS undergraduate lounge (directly in front of ARMS 3rd floor elevators).