Simultaneous temperature and sensitive two-species concentration measurements by single-shot CARS

Simultaneous spatially and temporally resolved measurements of N(2) and O(2) mole fractions and of temperature are performed using coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS). The CARS setup is used with the crossed-beam arrangement (BOXCARS) and nonresonant-background suppression. The technique employs two Stokes lasers, broadband and narrowband, in combination with a frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser. Temperature and N(2) mole fractions are obtained by single-shot multiplex CARS spectra of N(2) using the broadband laser; O(2) mole fractions are deduced from a particular rovibrational Q-line of O(2) using the narrowband dye laser. The single-shot detectivity limit is better than 0.4% for oxygen at 2200 K and atmospheric pressure, i.e., 10(16) molecules x cm(-3). The capability of the technique for measuring 2-D probability density functions is demonstrated in the simple cases of an isothermal jet and a laminar premixed flame of air and ethylene. The experimental work reveals grave difficulties in using CARS for precise measurements of mole fractions: appreciable signals can be created very far from the geometrical focus; beam disruption by turbulence and the Stark effect cause large mole fraction measurement errors. These problems are discussed. Referencing the mole fraction of the second species by nitrogen mole fraction is demonstrated to be a solution for the turbulence effect in premixed flames.