A theoretical analysis of third-order nonlinear interactions of focused laser beams is performed for the processes \omega_{1} + \omega_{2} + \omega_{3} \rightarrow \omega_{4}, \omega_{1} + \omega_{2} - \omega_{3} \rightarrow \omega_{4} , and \omega_{1} - \omega_{2} - \omega_{3} \rightarrow \omega_{4} . The total power and far-field beam profile of the generated radiation is related to the total powers of the fundamental beams, to the tightness and location of the focus, and to the value of the difference between the wave vectors of the generated radiation and driving polarization. The optimum degree of wave-vector mismatch as a function of tightness and location of focus is determined for each of the three processes. The process \omega_{1} + \omega_{2} - \omega_{3} \rightarrow \omega_{4} is found to be unique in that it is always optimized by focusing as tightly as possible. Experimental results, which verify the theory for the processes \omega_{1} + \omega_{2} + \omega_{3} \rightarrow \omega_{4} and \omega_{1} + \omega_{2} - \omega_{3} \rightarrow \omega_{4} , are presented.

Effects of focusing on third-order nonlinear processes in isotropic media. [laser beam interactions

The paper provides an overview of the use of coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) and spontaneous Raman scattering for diagnostics of low-temperature nonequilibrium plasmas and nonequilibrium high-enthalpy flows. A brief review of the theoretical background of CARS, four-wave mixing and Raman scattering, as well as a discussion of experimental techniques and data reduction, are included. The experimental results reviewed include measurements of vibrational level populations, rotational/translational temperature, electric fields in a quasi-steady-state and transient molecular plasmas and afterglow, in nonequilibrium expansion flows, and behind strong shock waves. Insight into the kinetics of vibrational energy transfer, energy thermalization mechanisms and dynamics of the pulse discharge development, provided by these experiments, is discussed. Availability of short pulse duration, high peak power lasers, as well as broadband dye lasers, makes possible the use of these diagnostics at relatively low pressures, potentially with a sub-nanosecond time resolution, as well as obtaining single laser shot, high signal-to-noise spectra at higher pressures. Possibilities for the development of single-shot 2D CARS imaging and spectroscopy, using picosecond and femtosecond lasers, as well as novel phase matching and detection techniques, are discussed.

https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/0022-3727/47/43/433001/pdf

Coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering and spontaneous Raman scattering diagnostics of nonequilibrium plasmas and flows

Non-resonant laser-induced thermal acoustics (LITA), a four-wave mixing technique, was applied to post-shock flows within a shock tube. Simultaneous single-shot determination of temperature, speed of sound and flow velocity behind incident and reflected shock waves at different pressure and temperature levels are presented. Measurements were performed non-intrusively and without any seeding. The paper describes the technique and outlines its advantages compared to more established laser-based methods with respect to the challenges of shock tube experiments. The experiments include argon and nitrogen as test gas at temperatures of up to 1000 K and pressures of up to 43 bar. The experimental data are compared to calculated values based on inviscid one-dimensional shock wave theory. The single-shot uncertainty of the technique is investigated for worst-case test conditions resulting in relative standard deviations of 1, 1.7 and 3.4 % for Mach number, speed of sound and temperature, respectively. For all further experimental conditions, calculated values stay well within the 95 % confidence intervals of the LITA measurement.

/pdf/temperature-and-velocity-determination-of-shock-heated-flows-3roz9qzl8h.pdf

Temperature and velocity determination of shock-heated flows with non-resonant heterodyne laser-induced thermal acoustics

Broadband single pulse coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) experiments employing a folded-box phase-matching geometry in a pulsed hypervelocity blunt body flow are presented. Rovibrational spectra of molecular nitrogen, produced in the freestream and within the shock layer at moderately high enthalpy (8.4 MJ/kg), are examined. Difficulties peculiar to the application of a single pulse optical technique to a high enthalpy pulsed flow facility are discussed and measurements of flow temperatures are presented. Theoretically calculated values for temperatures based upon algorithms used to determine freestream and shock layer conditions agree well with experimental measurements using the CARS technique. The measurements indicate that thermal non-equilibrium conditions exist within the freestream, and that near thermal equilibrium exists at the point of measurement within the shock layer. The comparison between the experiment and theory in the shock layer is improved by using the measured freestream temperatures as input to the shock layer computations.

Rotational and vibrational temperature measurements using CARS in a hypervelocity shock layer flow and comparisons with CFD calculations

A portable fluorescence imaging system has been developed for use in NASA Langley s hypersonic wind tunnels. The system has been applied to a small-scale free jet flow. Two-dimensional images were taken of the flow out of a nozzle into a low-pressure test section using the portable planar laser-induced fluorescence system. Images were taken from the center of the jet at various test section pressures, showing the formation of a barrel shock at low pressures, transitioning to a turbulent jet at high pressures. A spanwise scan through the jet at constant pressure reveals the three-dimensional structure of the flow. Future capabilities of the system for making measurements in large-scale hypersonic wind tunnel facilities are discussed.

https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20090026074/downloads/20090026074.pdf

Portable Fluorescence Imaging System for Hypersonic Flow Facilities

Broadband single pulse coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) experiments employing a folded box phase matching geometry in a shock tunnel flow are presented. Rovibrational spectra of molecular nitrogen, produced at the exit of a pulsed supersonic nozzle for a range of flow enthalpies, are examined. Difficulties peculiar to the application of the optical technique to a high enthalpy pulsed flow facility are discussed and measurements of flow temperatures are presented. Theoretically calculated values for temperatures based upon algorithms used to determine shock tunnel flow conditions agree well with experimental measurements using the CARS technique.

The application of coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering to temperature measurements in a pulsed high enthalpy supersonic flow

Rotational and vibrational temperatures determined from broadband single pulse Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering (CARS) experiments 7.2~7.5 MJ/kg) pulsed hypervelocity blunt body flow are presented. Comparing these temperatures with nonequilibrium chemistry nozzle and blunt body CFD codes shows good agreement, despite indicating certain inadequacies in the methods used.

https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007%2F978-3-642-78832-1_39.pdf

D. R. N. Pulford

Papers

Rotational and vibrational temperature measurements using CARS in a hypervelocity shock layer flow and comparisons with CFD calculations

The application of coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering to temperature measurements in a pulsed high enthalpy supersonic flow

Comparisons of CFD with CARS Measurements in Hypervelocity Nitrogen Flows