Patent ID: 7420662
Filing Date: 2008-09-02
Classification: F02D,F02P,G01N

Abstract:
1. A spark and diagnostic system for an engine, the system comprising: a laser light source for generating a laser beam; launch optics for focusing said laser beam; a laser transmission fiber for receiving said laser beam from said launch optics and transmitting said laser beam; exit focusing optics for receiving said laser beam from said laser transmission fiber and focusing said laser beam for generating a spark in a fuel and air mixture within the engine; wherein said laser transmission fiber transmits diagnostic light generated from at least one of said spark or from a flame from combustion of the fuel and air mixture; a diagnostic apparatus for analyzing said diagnostic light from said laser transmission fiber; and a dichroic mirror located between said exit focusing optics and said diagnostic apparatus, wherein at least a portion of said laser beam passes through said dichroic mirror before generating said spark in the engine, and wherein at least a portion of the diagnostic light is reflected off said dichroic mirror and conveyed to said diagnostic apparatus.