WELCOME! In the Optical Diagnostics and Imaging Laboratory (ODIL), we develop innovative laser techniques to study reacting and non-reacting flows such as combustion, propulsion, plasmas, and hypersonic materials & flow systems. These techniques utilize continuous wave (CW) to ultrashort pulse (i.e., femtosecond-duration) lasers and state-of-the-art imaging cameras and related hardware components. Laser diagnostics enable non-intrusive imaging of physical properties such as temperature, pressure, velocity, density, and particle characteristics, as well as high-fidelity (temporally and spatially resolved) imaging of chemical species concentrations. The objectives are three-fold; i) develop a fundamental understanding of laser-matter interactions related to optical measurements, ii) basic research studies involving complex coupling between fluid dynamics and chemical reactions, and iii) applied research & development of next-generation mechanical & aerospace engineering systems. The end goals may include, for example, cleaner and more efficient gas turbine engines and turbomachinery components, cutting-edge remote sensing tools for explosives, airborne pollutants, and materials testing applications, and safe and reliable hypersonic flight.
Two Recent Webinars on Ultrashort Pulse Laser Diagnostics:
Combustion Webinar Series (Jun. 07, 2022): New Advances in Ultrashort Pulse Laser Diagnostics for Combustion Imaging
OPTICA Webinar (Oct. 14, 2022): Ultrashort Pulse Laser Diagnostics for Chemically Reacting Flows