This year, we focused on completing the light squeezing and building the imaging station. In this report, we present a detailed description of a quantum imaging experiment utilizing squeezed light. The entire experimental setup has two parts, namely, the squeezing station where we produce quantum-noise squeezed light where a light quadrature (either the amplitude of the phase) has reduced quantum error below the shot noise of coherent light, and the imaging station where the squeezed light is used to image an object. The squeezing station consists of an optical parametric oscillator operating below the laser threshold. We provide the status quo and the plans for the squeezing imaging experiment.
In this LDRD project, we developed a capability for quantitative high - speed imaging measurements of high - pressure fuel injection dynamics to advance understanding of turbulent mixing in transcritical flows, ignition, and flame stabilization mechanisms, and to provide e ssential validation data for developing predictive tools for engine combustion simulations. Advanced, fuel - efficient engine technologies rely on fuel injection into a high - pressure, high - temperature environment for mixture preparation and com bustion. Howe ver, the dynamics of fuel injection are not well understood and pose significant experimental and modeling challenges. To address the need for quantitative high - speed measurements, we developed a Nd:YAG laser that provides a 5ms burst of pulses at 100 kHz o n a robust mobile platform . Using this laser, we demonstrated s patially and temporally resolved Rayleigh scattering imaging and particle image velocimetry measurements of turbulent mixing in high - pressure gas - phase flows and vaporizing sprays . Quantitativ e interpretation of high - pressure measurements was advanced by reducing and correcting interferences and imaging artifacts.