One-Dimensional, Time-Resolved Raman Measurements in a Sooting Flame made with 355-nm Excitation

Single-shot vibrational Raman measurements were performed along an 11-mm-long line crossing the reaction zone in a premixed, fuel-rich (phi = 10), laminar methane-air flame by use of a frequency-tripled Nd:YAG laser with a 355-nm emission wavelength. This laser source seems to have advantages relative to KrF excimer lasers as well as to Nd:YAG lasers at 532 nm for hydrocarbon combustion diagnostics. The Raman emissions of all major species (N(2), O(2), CH(4), H(2), CO(2), H(2)O) were detected simultaneously with a spatial resolution of 0.4 mm. By integration over selected spectral intervals, the mole fractions of all species and subsequently the local gas temperatures have been obtained. A comparison of the temperatures that were found with results from filtered Rayleigh experiments showed good agreement, indicating the success of what are to the best of our knowledge the first one-dimensional single-shot Raman measurements in a sooting hydrocarbon flame.