Proof-of-principle laser-induced fluorescence measurements of gas distributions from supersonic nozzles

Summary form only given, as follows. We have applied the technique of acetone laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) to the measurement of gas distributions from axisymmetric, supersonic nozzles used to produce loads for z-pinch plasma radiation sources. Typical peak particle densities are /spl sim/1% of an atmosphere at standard temperature. A pulsed laser is used to obtain a snapshot along a chord through the center of the gas density distribution at 4.3 and 20.0 mm from the exit of the nozzle. We find good agreement between LIF and laser interferometer measurements. Strengths of the LIF approach include simplicity of implementation and high radial spatial resolution.