High-speed planar laser-induced fluorescence of the CH radical using the C2Σ+ - X2Π(0, 0) band

Campbell D. Carter, Stephen Hammack, Tonghun Lee

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The potential for kHz-rate or high-speed planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) of the Methylidyne (CH) radical using its C2Σ + - X2Π(v = 0, v = 0) band was investigated. We show that due to its strength and the excitation wavelength (~314 nm), which is conveniently generated by a dye laser operating with a red dye, the C-X(0,0) band is a good choice for CH LIF studies wherein suppression of background scattering is not required. While interference from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons is small, that caused by hydroxyl (OH) can be significant. Nonetheless, the OH lines can be avoided, and we observe good CH image fidelity. Most importantly, we show that due to the favorable properties of the CH C-X band (i.e., good signal strength and convenient wavelength), it can be used for PLIF at kHz acquisition rates using a continuously pulsing laser system. This is demonstrated in laminar and turbulent CH4-air flames with a laser system operating at 10 kHz and delivering ~0.2 mJ/pulse at 314 nm.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)515-519
Number of pages5
JournalApplied Physics B: Lasers and Optics
Volume116
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2014

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physics and Astronomy (miscellaneous)
  • General Physics and Astronomy

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