Fiber delivery of high power nanosecond pulses for ignition in aerospace engines

We have shown spark delivery through large clad step index silica fibers and a means to deliver >;20 mJ pulse energies which can be used for ignition applications in aero-turbines. Delivery of higher pulse energies with longer pulses and at high repetition rate is possible. Fiber delivery approach for laser ignition may allow a multiplexed scheme where a single remotely located laser source (away from the engine) is coupled to multiple fibers and used for ignition at different locations within the aero-turbine's combustor. The laser ignition system may possibly be integrated with the fuel nozzles. The presence of optical window in a fiber-delivered laser ignition system may also enable in-situ combustion diagnostics.