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Results for “Laser induced fluorescence”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1987

Containerless study of metal evaporation by laser induced fluorescence

Laser induced fluorescence (LIF) detection of atomic vapors was used to study evaporation from electromagnetically levitated and CW CO2 laser-heated molybdenum spheres and resistively-heated tungsten filaments. Electromagnetic (EM) levitation in combination with laser heating of tungsten, zirconium, and aluminum specimens was also investigated. LIF intensity vs temperature data were obtained for molybdenum atoms and six electronic states of atomic tungsten, at temperatures up to the melting point of each metal. The detected fraction of the emitted radiation was reduced by self-absorption effects at the higher experimental temperatures. Vaporization enthalpies derived from data for which less than half the LIF intensity was self-absorbed were -636 + or - 24 kJ/g-mol for Mo and 831 + or - 32 kJ/g-mol for W. Space-based applications of EM levitation in combination with radiative heating are discussed.

Schiffman, Robert A.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Measuring Arc-Jet Velocity With Laser-Induced Fluorescence

Laser-induced fluorescence in copper atoms entrained in arc jet provides spectrum from which temperature computed. Velocity of flow calculated from shift in spectrum between different angles of incidence. Two major advantages of this method of measurement: relatively nonintrusive; and laser beam focused to micro-sized region to yield high spatial resolution.

Yuen, Eric H.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Photophysics of Laser Dye-Doped Polymer Membranes for Laser-Induced Fluorescence Photogrammetry

Laser-induced fluorescence target generation in dye-doped polymer films has recently been introduced as a promising alternative to more traditional photogrammetric targeting techniques for surface profiling of highly transparent or reflective membrane structures. We investigate the photophysics of these dye-doped polymers to help determine their long-term durability and suitability for laser-induced fluorescence photogrammetric targeting. These investigations included experimental analysis of the fluorescence emission pattern, spectral content, temporal lifetime, linearity, and half-life. Results are presented that reveal an emission pattern wider than normal Lambertian diffuse surface scatter, a fluorescence time constant of 6.6 ns, a pump saturation level of approximately 20 micro J/mm(exp 2), and a useful lifetime of more than 300,000 measurements. Furthermore, two demonstrations of photogrammetric measurements by laser-induced fluorescence targeting are presented, showing agreement between photogrammetric and physically measured dimensions within the measurement scatter of 100 micron.

Dorrington, Adrian A.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Measurements of temperature, density, pressure, and their fluctuations in supersonic turbulence using laser-induced fluorescence

A laser-induced fluorescence method has been developed that provides simultaneous measurements of temperature, density, and their fluctuations owing to turbulence in unheated compressible flows. Pressure and its fluctuations are also deduced using the equation of state. Fluorescence is induced in nitric oxide that has been seeded into a nitrogen flow in concentrations of 100 ppm. Measurements are obtained from each laser pulse, with a spatial resolution of 1 mm and a temporal resolution of 125 ns. The method was applied to a supersonic, turbulent, boundary-layer flow with a free-stream Mach number of 2. For stream conditions in the range from 150-300 K and 0.3-1 atm, temperature is measured with an uncertainty of approximately 1 percent rms, while density and pressure uncertainties are approximately 2 percent rms.

Gross, K. P.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Optical measurements of fluctuating temperatures in a supersonic turbulent flow using one- and two-photon, laser-induced fluorescence

A laser-induced fluorescence technique was developed that provides a practical means of nonintrusively measuring the instantaneous temperatures in low-temperature turbulent flows. The capabilities of the method are reviewed, and its application to a simple, two-dimensional, turbulent boundary-layer flow at Mach 2 is reported. Measurements of the average temperature distribution through the boundary layer and the magnitudes of temperature fluctuations about their average values are presented.

Gross, K. P.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Optical measurements of fluctuating temperatures in a supersonic turbulent flow using one- and two-photon, laser-induced fluorescence

A laser-induced fluorescence technique has been developed that provides a practical means of nonintrusively measuring the instantaneous temperatures in low-temperature turbulent flows. The capabilities of the method are reviewed, and its application to a simple, two-dimensional, turbulent boundary-layer flow at Mach 2 is reported. Measurements of the average temperature distribution through the boundary layer and the magnitudes of temperature fluctuations about their average values are presented.

Gross, K. P.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Towards Simultaneous Multi-Parameter Measurements Using Burst-Mode Frequency-Scanning Planar Laser-Induced Fluorescence

While planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) can provide valuable flow visualization, there are many challenges in extracting quantitative measurements from the fluorescence intensity. To overcome the multi-parameter dependence of the signal intensity, frequency scanning planar laser-induced fluorescence (FS-PLIF) provides the potential for 2D temperature, pressure, and velocity measurements by spectrally resolving the excitation spectrum of one or more fluorescence transitions to extract the Doppler shift, Doppler- and collisional-broadening of absorption lines, and the relative signal intensities of multiple transitions. This work aims to characterize a burst-mode FS-PLIF system consisting of a Spectral Energies, LLC burst-mode laser coupled with a Spectral Energies, LLC optical parametric oscillator using nitric oxide (NO) static pressure cell measurements. The effect of the OPO cavity on intensity fluctuations during frequency-scanning is investigated. A NO PLIF model is implemented to investigate the feasibility of property measurements using single- and two-NO-line scans.

burst-mode laser↗
NASA NTRS1985

Simultaneous measurements of temperature, density, and pressure in a supersonic turbulent flow using laser-induced fluorescence

A pulsed laser-induced fluorescence technique is described that provides simultaneous measurements of temperature, density, and pressure in low-temperature, turbulent flows. The measurements are made with spatial and temporal resolution comparable to that obtained with modern laser anemometer techniques used for turbulent boundary layer research. The capabilities of the method are briefly described and its demonstration in a simple two-dimensional turbulent boundary layer at Mach 2 is reported. The results are compared with conventional hot-wire anemometer data obtained in the same flow.

Mckenzie, R. L.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Detectability limit and uncertainty considerations for laser induced fluorescence spectroscopy in flames

Laser induced fluorescence spectroscopy of flames is discussed, and derived uncertainty relations are used to calculate detectability limits due to statistical errors. Interferences due to Rayleigh scattering from molecules as well as Mie scattering and incandescence from particles have been examined for their effect on detectability limits. Fluorescence trapping is studied, and some methods for reducing the effect are considered. Fluorescence trapping places an upper limit on the number density of the fluorescing species that can be measured without signal loss.

Daily, J. W.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Erosion rate diagnostics in ion thrusters using laser-induced fluorescence

We have used laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) to monitor the charge-exchange ion erosion of the molybdenum accelerator electrode in ion thrusters. This real-time, nonintrusive method was implemented by operating a 30cm-diam ring-cusp thruster using xenon propellant. With the thruster operating at a total power of 5 kW, laser radiation at a wavelength of 390 nm (corresponding to a ground state atomic transition of molybdenum) was directed through the extracted ion beam adjacent to the downstream surface of the molybdenum accelerator electrode. Molybdenum atoms, sputtered from this surface as a result of charge-exchange ion erosion, were excited by the laser radiation. The intensity of the laser-induced fluorescence radiation, which is proportional to the sputter rate of the molybdenum atoms, was measured and correlated with variations in thruster operating conditions such as accelerator electrode voltage, accelerator electrode current, and test facility background pressure. We also demonstrated that the LIF technique has sufficient sensitivity and spatial resolution to evaluate accelerator electrode lifetime in ground-based test facilities.

Gaeta, C. J.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Wavelength modulation laser-induced fluorescence for plasma characterization

Laser-Induced Fluorescence (LIF) spectroscopy is an essential tool for probing ion and atom velocity distribution functions (VDFs) in complex plasmas. VDFs carry information about the kinetic properties of species that is critical for plasma characterization. Accurate interpretation of these functions is challenging due to factors such as multicomponent distributions, broadening effects, and background emissions. Our research investigates the use of Wavelength Modulation (WM) LIF to enhance the sensitivity of VDF measurements. Unlike standard Amplitude Modulation (AM) methods, WM–LIF measures the derivative of the LIF signal. This approach makes variations in VDF shape more pronounced. VDF measurements with WM–LIF were investigated with both numerical modeling and experimental measurements. The developed model enables the generation of both WM and AM signals, facilitating comparative analysis of fitting outcomes. Experiments were conducted in a weakly collisional argon plasma with magnetized electrons and non-magnetized ions. Measurements of the argon ion VDFs employed a narrow-band tunable diode laser, which scanned the 4p 4 D 7/2 –3d 4 F 9/2 transition centered at 664.553 nm in vacuum. A lock-in amplifier detected the second harmonic WM signal, which was generated by modulating the laser wavelength with an externally controlled piezo-driven mirror of the diode laser. Finally, our findings indicate that the WM–LIF signal is more sensitive to fitting parameters, allowing for better identification of VDF parameters such as the number of distribution components, their temperatures, and velocities. In addition, WM–LIF can serve as an independent method to verify AM measurements and is particularly beneficial in environments with substantial light noise or background emissions, such as those involving thermionic cathodes and reflective surfaces.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
NASA NTRS2026

Recommended Practices in Laser-Induced Fluorescence (LIF) Diagnostics for Electric Propulsion

Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) spectroscopy uses Doppler-shifted laser photons to excite a bound electron transition in an atom or ion, with subsequent fluorescence emission detected in order to measure the local velocity distribution function (VDF) and/or particle density. Due to its non-invasive nature, high spatial resolution, and acceptable difficulty of implementation, LIF has become a favored diagnostic for electric propulsion (EP) plasmas, particularly in the study of Hall thrusters. This paper presents recommended best practices for LIF measurements in electric thrusters, drawn from over three decades of implementation heritage in the EP community. Focusing on both single-photon LIF (typically used to measure VDFs) and two-photon LIF (TALIF, typically used to determine densities), the paper covers selection of atomic transitions to target, experimental setups, and interpretation of data. A number of special topics and advanced applications are discussed, including uncertainty analysis, techniques for high-speed measurements, and applications to a variety of propellants.

plasma plume↗
NASA NTRS1983

Remote sensing of OH in the atmosphere using the technique of laser-induced fluorescence

The use of a laser-induced fluorescence technique for the sensitive measurement of the atmospheric hydroxyl radical is discussed. Results of laboratory studies of the fluorescence and other spectroscopic properties of OH which allow the calculation of OH concentrations from the returned signals for various altitudes, water vapor contents and temperatures are presented. The experimental setup used for airborne OH measurements is then described, with particular attention given to the use of a telescope for excitation and light collection in a coaxial configuration and the periodic tuning of the exciting radiation necessary to obtain an OH signal in the presence of strong solar and nonresonant fluorescence backgrounds. The best detection limit obtained to date with the system is noted to be about 700,000 OH/cu cm, and it is expected that, with planned improvements in detection and tuning schemes, limits in the neighborhood of 1,000,000 OH/cu cm will be achieved routinely.

Wang, C. C.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Demonstration of the feasibility of laser induced fluorescence for arc jet flow diagnostics

Laser Induced Fluorescence (LIF) studies are carried out on nitric oxide and oxygen molecules in the arc jet flows at the NASA Johnson Space Center Reentry Testing Facility. Measurements are taken in the free stream and from a blunt body shock layer. Tests are performed under different flow conditions to determine the feasibility and sensitivity of the LIF technique for various species. This is developed as a part of high enthalpy flow diagnostics and will be useful to elucidate the rotational and vibrational temperatures. Adequate sensitivity for the detection of O(2) and NO is demonstrated. Proposed improvements of the existing system are presented.

Arepalli, Sivaram↗
NASA NTRS1992

Characterization of electric thruster plumes using multiplexed laser induced fluorescence measurements

The use of laser-induced fluorescence to obtain spatially resolved measurements of propellant velocities and temperatures in electric thruster plumes is discussed, with emphasis on two innovations of the technique, namely simultaneous recording of the optogalvanic signal in a hollow cathode lamp for the purpose of calibrating Doppler shifts, and two-beam multiplexing to allow the measurement of two velocity components at once. It is also shown how information on plume fluctuations can be obtained from the multiplxed LIF data. The techniques are demonstrated on the plume from a low power arcjet, operated on argon, and its extension to the measurement of ion velocities in electrostatic ion thrusters and stationary plasma thrusters is discussed.

Ruyten, W. M.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Characterization of Arcjet Flows Using Laser-Induced Fluorescence

A sensor based on laser-induced fluorescence has been installed at the 20-MW NASA Ames Aerodynamic Heating Facility. The sensor has provided new, quantitative, real-time information about properties of the arcjet flow in the highly dissociated, partially ionized, nonequilibrium regime. Number densities of atomic oxygen, flow velocities, heavy particle translational temperatures, and collisional quenching rates have been measured. These results have been used to test and refine computational models of the arcjet flow. The calculated number densities, translational temperatures, and flow velocities are in moderately good agreement with experiment

Bamford, Douglas J.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Simultaneous measurements of velocity, temperature, and pressure using rapid CW wavelength-modulation laser-induced fluorescence of OH

In high speed flows, laser induced fluorescence (LIF) on Doppler shifted transitions is an attractive technique for velocity measurement. LIF velocimetry was applied to combined single-point measurements of velocity, temperature, and pressure and 2-D imaging of velocity and pressure. Prior to recent research using NO, LIF velocimetry in combustion related flows relied largely on the use of seed molecules. Simultaneous, single-point LIF measurements is reported of velocity, temperature, and pressure using the naturally occurring combustion species OH. This experiment is an extension of earlier research in which a modified ring dye laser was used to make time resolved temperature measurements behind reflected shock waves by using OH absorption an in postflame gases by using OH LIF. A pair of fused-silica rhombs mounted on a single galvanonmeter in an intracavity-doubled Spectra-Physics 380 ring laser permit the UV output to be swept continuously over a few wave numbers at an effective frequency of 3kHz.

Chang, A. Y.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Application of Laser Induced Fluorescence for flow diagnostics in arc jets

Laser Induced Fluorescence (LIF) studies are carried out on copper atoms, nitric oxide and oxygen molecules in the arc jet flows at the NASA Johnson Space Center Reentry Simulation Testing Facility. Measurements are taken in the free stream and from a blunt body shock layer. Tests are performed under different flow conditions to determine the feasibility and sensitivity of the LIF technique for various species. The LIF technique is developed as a part of high enthalpy flow diagnostics and will be useful to elucidate the rotational and vibrational temperatures. Adequate sensitivity for the detection of O2 and NO is demonstrated. Preliminary experiments for temperature and velocity measurements using copper as a tracer material are shown to be a useful new application of the laser resonant Doppler scattering technique.

Arepalli, Sivaram↗