Laser Refractography

This monograph is devoted to the description of the physical fundamentals of laser refractography—a novel informational-measuring technique for the diagnostics of optically inhomogeneous media and flows, based on the idea of using spatially structured probe laser radiation in combination with its digital recording and c- puter techniques for the differential processing of refraction patterns. Considered are the physical fundamentals of this technique, actual optical schemes, methods of processing refraction patterns, and possible applications. This informational technique can be employed in such areas of science and technology as require remote nonperturbative monitoring of optical, thermophysical, chemical, aerohydrodynamic, and manufacturing processes. The monograph can also be recommended for students and postgraduates of - formational, laser, electro-optical, thermophysical, chemical, and other specialties. Laser refractography is a conceptually novel refraction method for the diagn- tics of inhomogeneous media, based on the idea of using spatially structured probe laser radiation in combination with its digital recording and computer techniques for the differential processing of refraction patterns. This book describes the basic principles of laser refractography, a flexible new diagnostic tool for measuring optically inhomogeneous media and flows. Laser refractography is based on digital imaging and computer processing of structured laser beam refraction (SLR) in inhomogeneous transparent media. Laser refractograms provide both qualitative and quantitative measurements and can be used for the study of fast and transient processes. In this book, the theoretical basis of refractography is explored in some detail, and experimental setups are described for measurement of transparent media using either 2D (passed radiation) or 3D (scattered radiation) refractograms. Specific examples and applications are discussed, including visualization of the boundary layer near a hot or cold metallic ball in water, and observation of edge effects and microlayers in liquids and gases. As the first book to describe this new and exciting technique, this monograph has broad cross-disciplinary appeal and will be of interest to students and researchers who need to characterize complex fluid behavior. Front Matter....Pages - Introduction....Pages 1-19 Structured Laser Radiation (SLR)....Pages 21-40 Physical Processes Giving Rise to Optical Inhomogeneities in Media....Pages 41-58 Refraction of Laser Beams in Layered Inhomogeneous Media....Pages 59-77 Refraction of Structured Laser Radiation in Spherical Temperature Inhomogeneities....Pages 79-100 Laser Refractographic Systems....Pages 101-134 Digital Refractogram Recording and Processing....Pages 135-167 Laser Refractography—a Method for Quantitative Visualization of Optically Inhomogeneous Media....Pages 169-186 Back Matter....Pages 185-185 The HEDLA-08 conference was a continuation of a series of biennial conferences first held in Pleasanton, California, in 1996, and focused on progress made during recent years in designing, conducting, and analyzing the results of laboratory experiments, theoretical work, and computer simulations relevant to high-energy density (HED) astrophysics.