Expanding the Impact of Optical Diagnostics Development for Combustion

Advanced non-invasive optical diagnostics are critical to the development of a detailed understanding of complex and coupled multi-scale combustion processes. The GRC on Laser Diagnostics in Combustion brings together scientists and engineers working at the leading edge of combustion research. Combustion is associated with a variety of physical phenomena with wide ranging applications and impact. Combustion is responsible for providing the majority of global energy needs and generating a large fraction of atmospheric pollutants and greenhouse gases. Improving the energy efficiency of combustion sources while reducing undesirable by-products requires an understanding of combustion chemistry and physics and related phenomena. This GRC will focus on the most recent scientific advances in optical diagnostics and their demonstrated or expected impact, in addition to diagnostic needs. Topics will include precise and accurate measurements of fluid motion and temperature, chemical composition, and transient and multi-phase phenomena under a wide range of conditions, including high pressure. Emphasis will be placed on improving sensitivity, precision, spatial resolution, and specificity. The properties and behavior of novel laser sources, detectors, and optical systems that lead to new diagnostic capabilities will also be included in the conference program.