Arrays of glass wedges for multi-dimensional optical diagnostics

Journal Article · 13 October 2023 · Applied Optics

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1364/ao.504117 · OSTI ID:2311325

Richardson, Daniel R.  ^[1]

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1. Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)

There is a common need in the advancement of optical diagnostic techniques to increase the dimensionality of measurements. For example, point measurements could be improved to multi-point, line, planar, volumetric, or time-resolved volumetric measurements. In this work, a unique optical element is presented to enable multi-dimensional measurements, namely, an array of glass wedges. A light source is passed through the wedges, and different portions of the illumination are refracted by different amounts depending on the glass wedge angle. Subsequent optics can be used to focus the light to multiple points, lines, or planes. Basic characterization of a glass wedge array is presented. Additional wedge-array configurations are discussed, including the use of a periodic intensity mask for multi-planar measurements via structured illumination. The utility of this optical element is briefly demonstrated in (a) multi-planar flame particulate measurements, (b) multi-point femtosecond-laser electronic excitation tagging for flow velocimetry, and (c) multi-line nitric oxide molecular tagging velocimetry in a hypersonic shock-tunnel. One significant advantage of this optical component is its compatibility with high-energy laser sources, which may be a limiting factor with other beam-splitting or beam-forming elements such as some diffractive optics. Additionally, an array of glass wedges is simple and easily customizable compared to other methods for forming multiple closely spaced illumination patterns. Suggestions for further development and applications are discussed.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA); USDOE Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) Program
• Grant/Contract Number: NA0003525
• OSTI ID: 2311325
• Alternate ID(s): OSTI ID: 2202287
• Report Number(s): SAND-2023-11182J; TRN: US2409133
• Journal Information: Applied Optics, Vol. 62, Issue 30; ISSN 1559-128X
• Publisher: Optical Society of AmericaCopyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English