Laser cleaning of the output window in a laser ignition system for gas turbines

<p>Laser ignition (LI) of both liquid fuels and gaseous combustible mixtures in gas turbines offers the potential for reduced emissions and increased reliability. During the combustion process, carbon and other by-products accumulate on the walls of the combustion chamber. For laser based ignition systems, this could potentially reduce the transmissive properties of the output window required for transmission of the laser radiation into the combustion chamber. Presented in this paper is an empirical study into the laser cleaning of an output window for the removal of accumulated carbon prior to laser ignition, with the mechanism of removal discussed.</p>