Two-line atomic fluorescence as a temperature probe for highly sooting flames

We investigate the applicability of two-line atomic fluorescence (TLAF) fro m seeded indium atoms for temperature measurements in highly sooting flames . The results show that TLAF holds promise for two-dimensional temperature measurements in sooting and fuel-rich flames under conditions in which othe r thermometry techniques fail, a result that is attributed to the superior characteristics of the indium atomization process. Furthermore, no native s pecies was found to interfere spectrally with the detected TLAF wavelengths . Advantages of and problems with the technique are discussed. (C) 2000 Opt ical Society of America.