Fiber-Based Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Spectroscopy System

The goal of this project is to demonstrate a fiber-optics based Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Spectroscopy (CARS) system. Fiber delivery will greatly increase the utility of CARS systems for measurements in test propulsion and combustion facilities. Current commercial fiber optics cannot simultaneously deliver the high peak power and beam quality needed for CARS, but by pushing specialty fiber development in the right direction the needed advances are within reach. In Phase I, OKSI will work closely with leading specialty fiber manufactures to: (1) obtain sample fibers for testing with typical CARS lasers; (2) model the fiber parameters critical in terms of damage threshold, non-linearity, and beam quality; and (3) design new custom fibers that will be specifically developed to deliver CARS probe and pump beams. In addition, OKSI will also perform a preliminary design of a complete CARS system including selecting appropriate lasers. In Phase II, custom fibers will be produced and a CARS system with remote fiber delivery will be constructed and installed at an appropriate test facility. The project builds upon OKSI’s previous compact, robust CARS system for measurements in rocket test stands, and fiber delivery will enable the application of CARS to previously inaccessible experiments.