Laser-induced incandescence: Development and characterization towards a measurement of soot-volume fraction

Laser-Induced Incandescence (LII) occurs when a high-energy pulsed laser is used to heat soot to incandescent temperatures. Theoretical calculations predict and experimental tests demonstrate the resulting incandescence to be a measure of soot-volume fraction. Practical implementation of the technique is detailed by examining the spectral character, temporal behavior, and excitation-intensity dependence of the resulting thermal emission from the laser-heated soot in both premixed and diffusion flames. Spatial and temporal capabilities of LII are demonstrated by obtaining one- and two-dimensional images of soot-volume fraction via laser-induced incandescence in both types of flames.