An investigation of the photothermal deflection spectroscopy technique for temperature measurements in a flame

The technique of photothermal deflection spectroscopy (PTDS) is investigated for temperature measurements in a flame. The spatial distribution of temperature is measured in two different types of burners operating with methane and oxygen, and methane and air. The spatial distributions of the temperature are in qualitative agreement with our expectations. At two points, the temperatures measured by PTDS have been compared with those measured by Boltzmann distributions. The measurements agree within their uncertainties. All the effects that affect the reliability of this technique are investigated and discussed. Finally, the pros and cons of the PTDS technique for temperature measurement are discussed. Received: 31 January 2002 / Published online: 8 August 2002