New Rapid Multipoint Optical Flow Monitor

This SBIR program will develop a novel optical diagnostic for mapping as flows in a spatially localized, nonperturbing way. The new technique has high-frequency response and fine-scale resolution, and can be absolutely calibrated. The flow is illuminated with two or more laser beams that intersect within the flow. Medium refractive variations produce beam phase variations, which are converted to intensity variations, and a selected scale size component of these fluctuations is then measured by differencing two nearly equal light intensities. Proof-of-principle experiments have already validated the concept. In the proposed Phase I program, this new diagnostic will be optimized, characterized, and then extended to the monitoring of a flow at many points simultaneously. Data obtained during Phase I will allow fabrication and delivery of an instrument to an Air Force facility during Phase II.