Rapid-Tuning Infrared Laser System

Abstract

We have acquired a rapid-wavelength-tunable, continuous-wave, narrow-linewidth external-cavity quantum cascade laser system to enable the measurement of the full fundamental rovibrational absorption band of nitric oxide (NO) and other mid-infrared active molecular species in high-temperature and high-pressure conditions. We previously were able to measure the fundamental rovibrational bands of NO and other species over only a limited set of wavelengths at moderate wavelength-tuning rates; the acquisition of this laser system will now enable the creation of a comprehensive high-temperature and high-pressure spectral database that will increase the range of applicability of NO absorption sensing to infer the temperature of high-enthalpy flows in ground-test facilities used to evaluate new propulsion concepts. This equipment will also be used in the training and education of the next generation of graduate students in mechanical engineering in the areas of interest to the Air Force: hypersonics, laser diagnostics, and shock tube methods.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 09, 2019
Accession Number
AD1096684

Entities

People

  • Ronald Kenneth Hanson

Organizations

  • Stanford University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Absorption
  • Air Force
  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Department Of Defense
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • High Pressure
  • High Temperature
  • Infrared Lasers
  • Lasers
  • Measurement
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Scientific Research
  • Shock Tubes
  • Spectroscopy
  • Test Facilities
  • United States

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Fluid Dynamics.
  • Molecular Photonics/Laser Physics
  • Optical Physics and Photonics.

Technology Areas

  • AI & ML
  • Directed Energy
  • Directed Energy - Lasers
  • Hypersonics
  • Hypersonics - Hypersonic Flight
  • Hypersonics - Hypersonic Flow
  • Quantum Computing