Quantitative two-dimensional instantaneous Raman concentration measurements in a laminar methane jet

We have achieved quantitative two-dimensional Raman measurements of the con centration of methane in a laminar methane jet into nitrogen without multip assing the incident laser sheet with a coaxial flash-lamp-pumped dye laser. The measurements are compared with the results of direct numerical simulat ion for the particular flow field. We conclude that the accuracy of the tec hnique is determined by limitations in the dynamic range and in the spatial resolution of the data acquired with an intensified camera. (C) 2000 Optic al Society of America OCIS codes: 290.5860, 120.1740, 110.2960, 140.3600.