title: Optoacoustic pulses in a flame.
abstract: Pulsed pressure waves are produced by energy transfer from electronically excited Na or Li atoms seeded in an acetylene-air flame; the excitation is provided by a resonantly tuned, pulsed laser. Temperature increases of approximately 1 degree within the flame produce signals easily detected by a microphone. A description of the phenomenon is given, and preliminary results are presented for two possible applications: localized speed-of-sound measurements and quenching rate determinations.
authors.affiliation: Ballistic Research Laboratory, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland 21005, USA.
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Allen
authors.forename: W R
authors.initials: WR
authors.lastname: Anderson
authors.forename: D R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Crosley