A summary of laser ignition technology

The principle of laser ignition,the basic setup and recent progress of laser ignition system were summarized.All the major factors affecting laser ignition were discussed.Then a framework of a minimized multiple-point laser ignition system is presented,and microdectromc machine system(MEMS) device were introduced into laser ignition system,such as MEMS optical switches and MEMS optical splitters,which could enhance the safety and reduce the system size.Finally,all the difficulties and problems involved in laser ignition were offered.A conclusion was made that the future research work should be focused on the theory study of ignition process and the methods to decrease the ignition energy threshold.