Applications exist in all forms of aerodynamic research, development, and testing including problems associated with turbulent flow fields, boundary layers, shock waves, flow interactions, aero optics, flow control, drag, boundary layer transition, and flow separation. The technology enables application of extremely sensitive flow visualization in locations and applications that have been prohibitive before because of cost, environmental problems, and logistics.
This technique is especially useful for viewing large-scale phase objects in transparent media, which refract light but do not absorb or emit light. Potential commercial applications include aero-optics, flow diagnostics, flow-control, free-space laser communication, active laser imaging, high bandwidth video transmission, spectroscopy, and high-resolution imaging.
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