Visualization of laser-induced breakdown and ignition

Laser-induced gas breakdown and ignition of atmospheric pressure NH3/O-2 mixtures are investigated. The nanosecond-pulsed, 1064-nm Nd: YAG laser is used to create the cascade-type optical breakdown. The post-breakdown plasma and ignition are studied using spectroscopic techniques that include spontaneous emission and NH planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF). These time-resolved two-dimensional images provide not only radiative and gas dynamic information but also the space-time loci of the temperature and transient species concentrations. The results provide an understanding of the plasma kernel dynamics and the flame development that is essential to verify on-going simulation modeling of laser-ignition. (C) 2001 Optical Society of American.