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Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Flame Experiments at the Advanced Light Source: New Insights into Soot Formation Processes
Published on: May 26, 2014
Simultaneous one-dimensional visualization of OH, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and soot in a laminar diffusion
Abstract:
Laser-induced fluorescence measurements were performed in several regions of an ethylene-air diffusion flame. With the use of a 290-nm excitation wavelength, the fluorescence emissions from OH molecules and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH's) could be detected. Linear (one-dimensional) visualizations of OH, PAH's, and soot scattering were performed by utilizing an intensified photodiode array detector. Measurements taken at different heights above the burner permitted a two-dimensional reconstruction of the flame structure. Finally the simultaneous visualization of the three species for a rapid determination of the relative distributions was demonstrated.
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