Measurement of local gas temperature and density by the CARS method

The diagnostic possibilities of the CARS method with respect to the study of the nonequilibrium states of gases are discussed. Two experimental studies are examined to illustrate the method: (1) the measurement of nitrogen molecule distribution with regard to vibrational and rotational levels in a continuous glow discharge, and (2) measurement of axial temperature and density distributions in a supersonic gas flow. The sensitivity and accuracy of the method are examined.