This book describes the basic principles of laser refractography, a flexible new diagnostic tool for measuring optically inhomogeneous media and flows. Laser refractography is based on digital imaging and computer processing of structured laser beam refraction (SLR) in inhomogeneous transparent media. Laser refractograms provide both qualitative and quantitative measurements and can be used for the study of fast and transient processes.
Laser Refractography explores the theoretical basis of refractography, and describes experimental setups for the measurement of transparent media. Specific examples are discussed, including the visualization of the boundary layer near a hot or cold metallic ball in water.
Structured Laser Radiation (SLR).- Physical Processes Giving Rise to Optical Inhomogeneities in Media.- Refraction of Laser Beams in Layered Inhomogeneous Media.- Refraction of Structured Laser Radiation in Spherical Temperature Inhomogeneities.- Laser Refractographic Systems.- Digital Refractogram Recording and Processing.- Laser Refractography-a Method for Quantitative Visualization of Optically Inhomogeneous Media.