title: Ignition of an automobile engine by high-peak power Nd:YAG/Cr⁴⁺:YAG laser-spark devices.
abstract: Laser sparks that were built with high-peak power passively Q-switched Nd:YAG/Cr(4+):YAG lasers have been used to operate a Renault automobile engine. The design of such a laser spark igniter is discussed. The Nd:YAG/Cr(4+):YAG laser delivered pulses with energy of 4 mJ and 0.8-ns duration, corresponding to pulse peak power of 5 MW. The coefficients of variability of maximum pressure (COV(Pmax)) and of indicated mean effective pressure (COV(IMEP)) and specific emissions like hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NO(x)) and carbon dioxide (CO2) were measured at various engine speeds and high loads. Improved engine stability in terms of COV(Pmax) and COV(Pmax) and decreased emissions of CO and HC were obtained for the engine that was run by laser sparks in comparison with classical ignition by electrical spark plugs.
authors.forename: Nicolaie
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Pavel
authors.forename: Traian
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Dascalu
authors.forename: Gabriela
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Salamu
authors.forename: Mihai
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dinca
authors.forename: Niculae
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Boicea
authors.forename: Adrian
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Birtas