Determining cluster size through Rayleigh scattering and interferometry of argon clusters formed in a planar expansion

Abstract

Rayleigh scattering and interferometry are used to determine the mean cluster size of argon clusters formed in a planar supersonic expansion. An axisymmetric expansion is examined for comparison. The results indicate that a planar expansion produces mean cluster sizes that are larger than those formed in an axisymmetric expansion at equivalent stagnation pressures. The mean cluster size of clusters formed in a planar expansion depends more strongly on stagnation pressure than does the axisymmetric expansion.