Laser-induced phosphorescence spectroscopy: development and application of thermographic phosphors (TP) for thermometry in combustion environments

In this chapter a temperature probing technique based on the spectroscopy of inorganic luminescent materials is described and exemplified in experiments related to combustion. The basic features of thermographic phosphors which enable remote temperature diagnostics to be performed with a high degree of sensitivity and accuracy, are outlined. This technique is superior to those based on thermocouples and pyrometry, particularly in the vicinity of flames and when the measured surface is subjected to random movements. Many thermographic phosphors have the property of being insensitive to variations in pressure up to 1 GPa. This property extends the use and development of thermographic thermometry to such domains as internal combustion engines and gas turbines, for which examples are also provided.