Timing a Two-Pulse Experiment

In this application note, we discuss two designs for a two-pulse experiment, in which two laser pulses illuminate a fluid to visualize its flow. Two-pulse techniques such as Particle Imaging Velocimetry (PIV) and variants of Planar Laser Induced Fluorescence (PLIF) have been developed to study fluid or gas flows, from mm/sec to supersonic speeds. In these experiments, two laser pulses are produced in rapid succession, typically 10 µs to 10 ms apart, but as close as 10 ns apart. The laser flash lamps, Q-switches, and camera shutter must be synchronized for the experiment. The LC880 has proven particularly effective in this task. Because it provides 8 channels of timing, the LC880 also lets you approach the timing design in several ways.

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