Single-shot imaging of ground-state hydrogen atoms with a nonlinear laser spectroscopic technique

We report on a novel nonlinear laser spectroscopic technique for single-shot imaging of ground-state hydrogen atoms in harsh environments. H atoms from the ground state were first pumped to the 2s state via a two-photon excitation with a 243 nm laser beam, and the population of the 2s state was further probed through the 2s-4p transition with conventional polarization spectroscopy at 486 nm. A single Nd:YAG-pumped optical parametric oscillator laser system was enough to provide both laser beams. Single-shot visualization of native H atoms in an atmospheric pressure premixed H-2/O-2 flame is demonstrated. (C) 2007 Optical Society of America