Development of an analytical unit for flame characterization in a microgravity environment using a tunable solid-state laser with direct UV pumping

Summary form only given. Tunable solid-state lasers with direct UV pumping based on d-f transitions of rare-earth ions incorporated in wide band-gap dielectric crystals, have been shown to be reliable sources of laser radiation that are suitable for excitation of combustion-related free radicals in laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) analytical flame characterization experiments. Here we report results of our continuing efforts aimed at devising an autonomous portable analytical unit for combustion studies under microgravity conditions for spaceborne and/or airborne scientific missions.