This talk will describe my personal research history and my future plans for research in the area of laser-based measurements in fluid systems. I will cover the broad application of laser spectroscopy to non-intrusive measurement in sensitive, hostile or otherwise challenging flows such as hypersonic flows, combustion, rarefied flows and plasmas.  Some of the techniques covered include diode laser absorption spectroscopy, laser-induced fluorescence and coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering applied to the measurement of electric field strength, temperature, velocity and species concentration.  I will also discuss future plans for research on gasdynamic lasers and electron beam fluorescence for near-earth orbit applications, in the hope of finding opportunities for research collaboration.

Sean O’Byrne is a newly appointed professor of Aerospace Engineering in the ANU School of Engineering in the College of Engineering, Computing and Cybernetics.  He received his BSc degree in Physics at the University of New England and his Masters and PhD degrees in Physics at the Australian National University before moving to the Dark Side and working in engineering research.  Since graduating, he has worked at NASA Langley Research Centre and at the University of New South Wales on the application of sensing technologies to engineering applications, and has a particular interest in high-speed and rarefied flows.