Advancing Frequency Comb Technology for Air Force-relevant Sensing Applications: Pathway to Routine High-Accuracy (1%) Measurements in Propulsion and Hypersonic Systems
Abstract
We propose a program that builds on and connects the activities of the AFOSR programs in Ultrashort Pulse Laser-Matter Interaction (USP-LM) and Energy, Combustion, and Non-Equilibrium Thermodynamics. In particular, we seek to transition frequency comb laser advances in the USP-LM program to the Energy, Combustion, and Non-Equilibrium Thermodynamics program by developing techniques for their use in reacting systems and disseminating frequency comb source advances to the sensing community. We also seek to develop better requirement targets to inform laser source development in the USP-LM program, based on analysis of the effect of laser characteristics on measurement performance in reacting systems. As an initial goal, we will focus on an area of immediate Air Force relevance – leveraging frequency comb technology to achieve routine high-accuracy (1%) measurements in propulsion and hypersonic systems. Laser absorption diagnostics using frequency comb lasers have been recently demonstrated by the PI as a powerful tool for interrogating hypersonic scramjet engines with high accuracy. We will conduct research in two specific areas to build on this success and further leverage the tools in both AFOSR programs: 1) Improve understanding of optimal frequency comb source characteristics and perform source engineering for fast dual-comb spectroscopy in Air Force propulsion systems including scramjets and rotating detonation rocket engines. 2) Develop the modified free induction decay (m-FID) spectroscopic approach, which was recently demonstrated in the PI’s group, in order to further relax comb source and absorption model requirements.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 12, 2021
- Source ID
- FA95502010328
Entities
People
- Greg Rieker
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Regents of the University of Colorado
- United States Air Force