Flame analysis using a simple transmission digital holographic interferometer

A digital holographic interferometer using a collimated beam in transmission mode to illuminate a flow coming from a diffusion flame is presented. The optical system proposes an indirect visualization of the flow to avoid saturation at the sensor. It can detect the intensity signal as a classical schlieren technique and the phase changes due to the presence of the flow. It is possible to retrieve a pseudo-3D flow’s view and different gradient maps using the optical phase. According to the knife edge’s position, these gradients could be observed in classical schlieren one at a time, but the proposed system could retrieve them all with a single image hologram. As proof of principle, a flame’s flow is simultaneously observed with the optical system and a Z-type schlieren set up. A comparison of the visualized flows at different stages of the flame is presented and discussed. A temperature profile is obtained and validated with a thermocouple’s point thermal measurements taking the resulting optical phase. Results from both optical techniques show a good agreement.