Perman & Green
Laser initiated non-linear fuel droplet ignition
 Method and apparatus for igniting an air/fuel spray (26) comprised of fuel droplets. The apparatus includes a coherent optical source (12) for introducing at least one pulse of coherent radiation into the air/fuel spray. The pulse generates free electrons and initiates a development of a plasma within the air/fuel spray. The coherent source maintains the pulse of coherent radiation and pumps the developing plasma to higher energies. The pulse is terminated at a time after the plasma has reached a predetermined energy and before ignition of the air/fuel spray. The non-linear ignition system of the invention employs a gas/vapor interface region at a fuel droplet surface and an electric field that extends from and exists outside of a fuel droplet. Free electrons are accelerated to higher energies by the electric field surrounding the fuel droplet. The accelerated electrons initiate a breakdown near adjacent fuel droplets and the liberation of further free electrons. In a short period of time an avalanche process occurs that creates a high density of free electrons and ions which results in the formation of a plasma. 
University of Tennessee Research Corporation
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Jimmy D. James W. L.
Few Lewis