Two-component molecular tagging velocimetry utilizing NO fluorescence lifetime and NO2 photodissociation techniques in an underexpanded jet flowfield

We report the application of molecular tagging velocimetry (MTV) toward two-component velocimetry as demonstrated in an underexpanded free jet flowfield. Two variants of the MTV technique are presented: 1) electronic excitation of seeded nitric oxide (NO) with gated fluorescence imaging (fluorescence lifetime) and 2) photodissociation of seeded NO2 followed by NO fluorescence imaging (NO2 photodissociation). The seeded NO fluorescence lifetime technique is advantageous in low-quenching, high-velocity flowfields, while the photodissociation technique is useful in high-quenching environments, and either high- or low-velocity flowfields due to long lifetime of the NO photoproduct. Both techniques are viable for single-shot measurements, with determined root mean squared results for streamwise and radial velocities of similar to 5%. This study represents the first known application of MW utilizing either the fluorescence lifetime or the photodissociation technique toward two-component velocity mapping in a gaseous flowfield. Methods for increasing the spatial resolution to be comparable to particle-based tracking techniques are discussed. (C) 2009 Optical Society of America