Hydroxyl Radical Imaging at kHz Rates Using a Frequency-Quadrupled Nd:YLF Laser

Abstract

Laser-induced fluorescence imaging of hydroxyl radicals has been an important tool in combustion research for more than twenty years. More recently, high frame rate imaging of hydroxyl radicals has been demonstrated using Nd:YAG-pumped dye laser systems. This work describes how a high repetition rate frequency-quadrupled Nd:YLF laser emitting at 263 nm can be used for laser-induced fluorescence imaging of hydroxyl radicals with less complexity. Hydroxyl radicals are excited in the A–X (2,0) band and redshifted fluorescence emission is detected with an image intensified CMOS camera at kHz frame rates. Furthermore, a strategy for high-speed temperature imaging is described.