Fiber-Based Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Spectroscopy System

Under this Phase II project, OKSI will deliver, install, train AEDC personnel, and demonstrate customized fiber-optics based delivery of lasers for use with CARS and other laser-based propulsion / combustion diagnostics. The overall goal of this project is to improve the diagnostic capabilities at AEDC and other similar DoD & NASA propulsion and high enthalpy flow test facilities by developing fiber optic delivery of high energy pulsed laser beams. Such a capability will enable the use of sophisticated measurement techniques for temporally & spatially resolved probing of temperature and species in reactive flows at sites with harsh conditions and/or limited access that previously were inaccessible to such measurements. BENEFIT: The project will provide a high profile example providing a path for more effective use of combustion diagnostic techniques requiring remote delivery of high peak power laser beams. Examples include, but are not limited to Rayleigh scattering, Raman spectroscopy, absorption spectroscopy, tunable diode laser spectroscopy (TDLS), laser induced fluorescence (LIF), Hydroxly Tagging Velocimetry, etc. Improvement in such techniques will aide research efforts to improve combustion and propulsion systems for efficiency, performance, and environmental impact. In addition, the fiber technology will also have applications in improving systems used for detecting chemical and biological agents of interest to military, law enforcement, and antiproliferation agencies. AEDC specifically will benefit by improving the test capabilities in characterizing air breathing and rocket propulsion systems and high enthalpy flows at the Aeropropulsion Systems Test Facility. This facility is a unique national asset that supports advanced development of the nation’s future propulsion and space technology.