Abstract

Ground based experiments on acoustically levitated samples are being conducted in an effort to simulate containerless materials processing in the microgravity environment of space. Remote laser based diagnostic techniques are being investigated for real-time monitoring of drop stability and fluid dynamics as well as physical parameters related to materials processing. We present results of elastic light scattering used for monitoring and studying the rotational dynamics and evaporation behavior of levitated transparent millimeter-sized drops.

© 1991 Optical Society of America