Simultaneous 3D-PIV and temperature measurements using a new CCD-based holographic interferometer

A new optical method to investigate thermoconvective flow phenomena, featuring direct CCD-recording of holograms, has been developed. The holograms are recorded in an interferometer set-up applying the phase-shift method. Algorithms for computational Focusing on individual tracer particles have been developed. By finding the location of the optimal focus of the tracer particles the spatial position can be calculated at each instant of rime. The hologram allows simultaneously the calculation of interferograms which, in turn, permits the determination of density and temperature fields of the flow. The method has been applied successfully to visualize a buoyant convection. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd.