title: Laser-induced fluorescence detection strategies for sodium atoms and compounds in high-pressure combustors.
abstract: A variety of laser-induced fluorescence schemes were examined experimentally in atmospheric pressure flames to determine their use for sodium atom and salt detection in high-pressure, optically thick environments. Collisional energy transfer plays a large role in fluorescence detection. Optimum sensitivity, at the parts in 10(9) level for a single laser pulse, was obtained with the excitation of the 4p-3s transition at 330 nm and the detection of the 3d-3p fluorescence at 818 nm. Fluorescence loss processes such as ionization and amplified spontaneous emission were examined. A new laser-induced atomization/laser-induced fluorescence detection technique was demonstrated for NaOH and NaCl. A 248-nm excimer laser photodissociates the salt molecules present in the seeded flames prior to atom detection by laser-induced fluorescence.
authors.forename: K J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Weiland
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Wise
authors.forename: G P
authors.initials: GP
authors.lastname: Smith