Application of 2-D LIF temperature measurements in water using a Nd : YAG laser

The application of Laser Induced Fluorescence (LIF) for temperature measure ments in water using a Nd:YAG laser is investigated. A natural convection p roblem is used to test the applicability of LIF in the temperature range of 20-60 degrees C. The measured temperature held is compared with numerical results and the influences of shadowgraph effects on the measured temperatu re held are investigated. An accuracy of 1.7 degrees C is attained if shado wgraph effects can be neglected. This only holds if correction for photoble aching and variation of laser power output is applied.