Single-shot laser-induced fluorescence imaging of formaldehyde with XeF excimer excitation

Single-shot formaldehyde laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) imaging measureme nts in a technical scale turbulent flame have been obtained using XeF excim er laser excitation in the (A) over tilde(1)A(2)-(X) over tilde(1)A(1) tran sition at 353.2 nm. Measurements have been carried out in a 150 kW natural gas swirl burner where formaldehyde distribution fields have the potential, in combination with OH concentration fields, to visualize the heat release distribution and therefore give an optimal visualization of flame-front po sitions. The extended areas where formaldehyde was detected in the swirl fl ame indicates the presence of low temperature chemistry in preheated gas po ckets before ignition.