Nonresonant referenced laser-induced thermal acoustics thermometry in air

We report a detailed investigation of nonresonant laser-induced thermal aco ustics (LITA) for the single-shot measurement of the speed of sound (vs) in an oven containing room air. A model for the speed of sound that includes important acoustic relaxation effects is used to convert the speed of sound into temperature. A reference LITA channel is used to reduce uncertainties in upsilon(S). Comparing thermocouple temperatures with temperatures deduc ed from our vs measurements and model, we find the mean temperature differe nce from 300 to 650 K to be 1% (+/-2 sigma). The advantages of using a refe rence LITA channel are discussed.