Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 1, 2026
10:52
Direct Imaging of Laser-driven Ultrafast Molecular Rotation
Published on: February 4, 2017
9.5K
Diode pumped solid state kilohertz disk laser system for time-resolved combustion diagnostics under microgravity at
Volker Wagner1, Wolfgang Paa1, Wolfgang Triebel1
1Institute of Photonic Technology, Laser Diagnostics, Albert-Einstein-Str. 9, 07745 Jena, Germany.
The Review of Scientific Instruments
|April 3, 2014
Summary
A compact disk laser system was developed for microgravity (μg) combustion diagnostics. This system successfully investigated formaldehyde precursor reactions before droplet ignition using laser-induced fluorescence.
Area of Science:
- Laser physics
- Combustion science
- Microgravity experiments
Background:
- Combustion diagnostics require advanced laser systems capable of operating under extreme conditions.
- Microgravity environments present unique challenges for experimental setups due to altered physical phenomena.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and demonstrate a robust, compact laser system for combustion diagnostics in microgravity.
- To investigate precursor reactions in droplet ignition under microgravity conditions.
Main Methods:
- Design and implementation of a two-stage, diode-pumped, disk laser system.
- Adaptation of the laser system for integration into a drop capsule, withstanding high g-forces.
- Utilizing 2D imaging of Laser Induced Fluorescence (LIF) of formaldehyde.
Main Results:
- The laser system provides a high-quality TEM00 beam with narrowband operation (Δλ < 1 pm) and tunability (1018–1052 nm).
- High repetition rate (up to 4 kHz) and short pulse duration (10 ns) allow millisecond timescale process tracking.
- The system successfully operated under microgravity conditions during drop tower experiments, enabling visualization of formaldehyde LIF.
Conclusions:
- The developed disk laser system is a viable and effective tool for microgravity combustion diagnostics.
- The study demonstrated the system's capability to probe critical precursor reactions in droplet ignition under microgravity.
