Authors

Abstract

A robust end pumped, passively Q-switched, air-cooled, microlaser was designed and prototyped to yield a 1064 nm pulsed laser output of 21 mJ/P with a pulse width of 4.2 ns FWHM. This microlaser was coupled to a standard laser plug carrying a sapphire lens with 13 mm back focal length. This assembly was tested in a natural gas fueled single-cylinder engine, and in one cylinder of a turbocharged 6-cylinder engine. Single cylinder engine tests showed extension of the lean ignition limit which enabled an efficiency improvement of 0.2% while meeting emission regulations. The tests conducted in the 6-cylinder engine showed highly improved ignition stability.