Patent ID: 7675616

Claim:
A system for measuring atomic and molecular decomposition products of an energetic event, the system, comprising: an absorption spectroscopy gauge comprising: a first portion comprising a first optical path, which, includes a first mirror, the first portion attached to an adjustable attachment mechanism; and a second portion comprising a second optical path, which includes a second mirror, the second portion attached to the adjustable attachment mechanism such that the first optical path is aligned with the second optical path defining an absorption region between the first portion and the second portion in an aligned path between the first optical path and the second optical path, wherein the adjustable attachment mechanism defines a length of the absorption region and adjusting the adjustable attachment mechanism changes this length, and wherein the first portion and the second portion each comprises an elongated shape having a tapered shape at one end thereof and one of respective said first optical path and said second optical path; a light source in communication with the first portion; and a time-resolved spectroscopy system in communication with the second portion.