Laser diagnostics of combustion processes: From chemical dynamics to technical devices

Laser-based in situ diagnostic techniques with high temporal, spectral, and spatial resolution have become valuable tools to study the molecular dynam ics of gas-phase and heterogeneous reactions as well as complex technical c ombustion processes. Results of recent experiments will be presented in whi ch laser-induced fluorescence, sum-frequency generation surface vibrational spectroscopy, Rayleigh scattering, excimer laser-induced fragmentation flu orescence, and high-resolution tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy a ere applied to investigate elementary chemical gas-phase and catalytic co mbustion reactions, internal combustion engine processes, as well as coal c ombustion and waste incineration.