Application of UV-laser-diagnostics to combustion research under zero-gravity

The application of modern laser diagnostical measurement techniques for combustion research in earth-based laboratories has brought essential experimental progress. In this paper the development of an UV-laser system is described, which for the first time will allow the application of two dimensional laser spectroscopic measurement techniques for experiments at the drop tower "Bremen". The laser system will be integrated at the top of the tower, the laser beam follows the falling drop capsule and enters it from above. The drift between capsule and laser beam has to be compensated with an accuracy in the sub-mm range. Described are the laser-, control-, detection- and data acquisition systems, first results of the experimental properties and planned applications for experiments at the drop tower, "Bremen".