A quantitative Schlieren system for measuring radial density profiles of reduced density channels in gases

A quantitative Schlieren system used to measure the radial density profiles of reduced density channels in gases is described. The system uses a simple, single path optical train and does not require a coherent light source. The cylindrical symmetry of the channels permits an Abel-like inversion of the path integrated bending of the light to yield the radial density profile. The inversion algorithm and a program using it are given and some experimental results are shown.