Since the invention of the first fiber laser module, these systems have found applications in various scientific studies related to biology, chemistry, astronomy, etc. In the future, scientists will develop more advanced fiber lasers to meet modern challenges. Today, fiber laser systems participate in field experiments ranging from triggering lightning in thunderclouds to genomics.
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Advantages of the fiber laser systems
A fiber laser is a compact system providing high electrical and optical efficiency. Fiber lasers are reliable and deliver accurately controlled laser beams. By amplifying specific wavelengths inside optical fibers, specialists can design a system with excellent beam quality and high peak energy.
Lasers are not primarily light sources. They are effective at concentrating light in space or specific wavelengths. Most laser applications fall into three segments:
- Data transmission and processing
- Accurate delivery of energy
- Alignment, measurement, and imaging
Fiber lasers have significant advantages over other types. In addition to high-quality beams, they are powerful due to high brightness. Fiber lasers require little maintenance because optical fibers are set up without mirrors or lenses.
Flow visualization with fiber lasers
Flow visualization is a method used to make flow patterns visible and collect qualitative or quantitative data. It observes particle behavior in an air stream. Lasers reveal the direction and uniformity of the flow.
Particle image velocimetry (PIV)
Particle image velocimetry (PIV) is a flow visualization technology popular in scientific and engineering fields. It is used to measure characteristics of fluids and gases, such as instantaneous velocities.
A custom PIV system includes a multi-pulsed fiber laser, at least one camera synchronized with the laser, and a computer to display the results.
Specialists use CW or pulsed fiber lasers for PIV data acquisition. Fiber lasers are powerful with short pulses. They illuminate small tracer particles that move with the fluid. A camera captures a series of images used to calculate particle speed or direction.
Applications of the PIV technology
Particle image velocimetry has applications across macro and microscopic scales due to its capabilities.
Like other fiber laser applications, PIV requires highly reliable lasers. They must operate in harsh environments, which is why robust and cost-effective modules are important.
PIV systems are valuable instruments, applied in industries such as aerospace, agriculture, and medicine.
Specific applications
Automation and quality control for gas and liquid production: PIV can measure velocity and turbulence fields simultaneously, including in gas and oil production.
Indoor airflow measurements and analysis: Complex turbulent flows are difficult to measure accurately. PIV meets this challenge and has proven effective. Scientists can select parameters depending on their needs. Despite some limitations, indoor flow data is essential for validating simulations.
Combustion diagnostics: PIV is used to study combustion and optimize in-cylinder flow structures, important for emission regulations. Engine structure makes analysis challenging, but PIV provides valuable insights.
PIV in medicine: PIV evaluates medical devices, such as blood pumps and artificial heart valves. It can predict potential blood damage. Results depend on image quantity, resolution, and quality.
Today, PIV is effective, and specialists explore new applications. Fiber lasers play a key role in its development due to their advantages over conventional equipment.