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Diffractive/refractive (hybrid) UV-imaging system for minimally invasive metrology: design, performance, and
René Reichle1, Christof Pruss, Christopher Gessenhardt
1Institut für Technische Optik (ITO), University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany. reichle@ito.uni‐stuttgart.de
Applied Optics
|April 27, 2012
Summary
A new hybrid imaging system allows laser-based measurements in engines using UV laser-induced fluorescence. This robust system features wide-angle, high-speed optics for harsh environments and small access ports.
Area of Science:
- Optical Engineering
- Combustion Diagnostics
- Laser-Based Measurement Techniques
Background:
- Challenges exist in applying advanced optical diagnostics within the confined and harsh environments of near-production engines.
- Existing systems often lack the necessary wide-angle characteristics, high lens speed, and robustness for in-situ engine measurements.
- Small access ports in engines limit the size and design of optical instrumentation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a hybrid imaging system capable of supporting laser-based measurement techniques in engines with limited access.
- To design optics that are compact, robust, wide-angle, and high-speed for harsh engine conditions.
- To customize imaging stages for specific wavelength bands, integrating refractive and diffractive optical elements.
Main Methods:
- Development of a hybrid imaging system combining a robust access lens with remote refractive/diffractive imaging stages.
- Integration of diffractive optical elements to achieve customized performance for specific wavelength bands.
- System performance analysis including Modulation Transfer Function (MTF), lens speed, and stray light evaluation.
Main Results:
- Successful design and implementation of a hybrid imaging system meeting the requirements for engine diagnostics.
- Demonstrated wide-angle characteristics and high lens speed suitable for challenging engine environments.
- Validation of the system's performance through MTF analysis, stray light assessment, and application in an actual engine.
Conclusions:
- The developed hybrid imaging system effectively enables advanced laser-based diagnostics, such as UV laser-induced fluorescence, in near-production engines.
- The system's design, incorporating hybrid refractive/diffractive optics, provides a robust and adaptable solution for engines with small access ports.
- The successful application in an actual engine validates the system's capability for real-world combustion research.
