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Laser-induced optical breakdown applied for laser spark ignition

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 April 2010

E. Schwarz ,
S. Gross ,
B. Fischer ,
I. Muri ,
J. Tauer ,
H. Kofler  and
E. Wintner
E. Schwarz
Affiliation:
Photonics Institute, Vienna University of Technology, Wien, Austria
S. Gross
Affiliation:
Photonics Institute, Vienna University of Technology, Wien, Austria
B. Fischer
Affiliation:
Photonics Institute, Vienna University of Technology, Wien, Austria
I. Muri
Affiliation:
Photonics Institute, Vienna University of Technology, Wien, Austria
J. Tauer
Affiliation:
Photonics Institute, Vienna University of Technology, Wien, Austria
H. Kofler
Affiliation:
Photonics Institute, Vienna University of Technology, Wien, Austria
E. Wintner*
Affiliation:
Photonics Institute, Vienna University of Technology, Wien, Austria
*
Address correspondence and reprint requests to: Ernst Wintner, Photonics Institute, Vienna University of Technology, Gusshausstrasse 25-29, 1040 Wien, Austria. E-mail: ernst.wintner@tuwien.ac.at
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Abstract

In the present article, the experimental investigation of optical breakdown induced by ns/mJ pulses at two wavelengths, 1064 nm and 532 nm, in air of atmospheric pressure is reported and discussed. The obtained breakdown thresholds were compared with theory and are in good agreement. The generated plasmas have been characterized by their amount of scattered laser light, energy transmission, and change of the transmitted temporal shape. Laser-induced plasma formation in a gas, in air, also generates an acoustic pressure wave. The acoustic energy is compared to the laser pulse energy and is found to be linearly dependent. Moreover, the frequency distribution of the characteristic acoustic pressure wave was analyzed. The experiments described were accomplished in order to optimize a laser ignition system with regard to efficiency and costs. The laser system employed for these investigations is a compact high peak power, passively Q-switched, longitudinally diode-pumped solid-state laser. Such a “laser spark plug” should replace conventional spark plugs in internal combustion engines because conventional ignition has reached its limits in terms of efficiency and durability. Thereby, a reduction of pollutant emission should also be feasible.

Keywords

Acoustic pressure waveLaser-induced plasmaOptical breakdownQ-switchedScattered laser light
Type
Research Article
Information
Laser and Particle Beams , Volume 28 , Issue 1 , March 2010 , pp. 109 - 119
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2010

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