Laser Light Sheet Visualization

In light sheet visualisation, a laser beam is spread in only one direction using a cylindrical lens. This light sheet is then used to illuminate a flow mixed with tracer particles, such as smoke or tiny oil droplets in air.  The light scattering from these particles provides a quick way to visualise the flow in real time. At the Institute for Thermal Turbomachinery and Machine Dynamics, flow visualisation can also be achieved using a high-speed camera. Depending on the laser power, larger areas can be illuminated and the flow visualised. The following example shows a flame visualised in the light sheet. In the methane combustion zone, the characteristic glow of the CH radical can be seen, while the fine oil droplets surrounding the flame front remain unburned.