Measurements of soot emission properties are of interest in both fundamental research and combustion-based industries. Laser-induced incandescence of soot particles is a novel technique that allows unobtrusive measurements of both soot volume fraction and particulate size with significant advantages. An apparatus utilizing this technique has been customized and used to provide measurements of soot concentration and particle sizing of a laminar, diffusion methane/air flame at pressures of 10, 20 and 40 atm at 6~mm above the burner. Soot volume fraction measurements correlate well with literature findings at all pressures. Despite similar trends, particle size values are found to be consistently larger than values reported in literature. Discussion on the errors of laser-induced incandescence as well as recommendations for improving the apparatus and results are herein.

Measurements of soot emission properties are of interest in both fundamental research and combustion-based industries. Laser-induced incandescence of soot particles is a novel technique that allows unobtrusive measurements of both soot volume fraction and particulate size with significant advantages. An apparatus utilizing this technique has been customized and used to provide measurements of soot concentration and particle sizing of a laminar, diffusion methane/air flame at pressures of 10, 20 and 40 atm at 6~mm above the burner. Soot volume fraction measurements correlate well with literature findings at all pressures. Despite similar trends, particle size values are found to be consistently larger than values reported in literature. Discussion on the errors of laser-induced incandescence as well as recommendations for improving the apparatus and results are herein.