Wavelength-Multiplexed Diode Laser Diagnostics for Harsh, Chemically Reacting Environments

Zolo Technologies and Stanford University's High Temperature GasDynamics Lab have teamed to propose the development of wavelength-multiplexed diode laser absorption measurements for a novel environment - the combustion zone of a liquid fueled rocket motor. A number of unique challenges will need to be overcome to enable these measurements. First, the pressure of the measurement zone approaches 100 atmospheres making any spectroscopic measurements difficult to quantify due to pressure broadening. Second, intense scattering of the diagnostic beam is expected from fuel droplets leading to low signal beam transmission. Third, high temperature, high pressure optical access must be engineered which is not expected to be trivial. During Phase I, we intend to show that these obstacles can be surmounted so that a system to measure temperature can be designed, built and tested during Phase II.