Calibration of imaging laser-induced fluorescence measurements in highly absorbing flames

It has been described earlier that imaging measurements of laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) in flames can be calibrated to number densities with an integrated absorption measurement provided the integrated absorption is small. In this paper a method is presented that extends the technique to flames with substantial absorption, improves the number density determination and allows the experimental parameters to be chosen more freely. The method is based on an iterative computer procedure that reconstructs the 1-D spatially resolved absorption profile from laser measurements of the 1-D spatially resolved LIF and the integrated absorption of the laser beam. The technique is experimentally demonstrated by measurements of OH number densities in atmospheric flames. It is potentially a single-pulse method. Other applications of the iterative procedure are mentioned.