Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a turbine combustor assembly includes a primary combustion chamber in fluid communication with a primary fuel injector and a primary air inlet, and an igniter carried by the primary combustion chamber and including a first igniter stage having an auxiliary combustion chamber housing comprising a mixing chamber and a tubular throat converging downstream of the mixing chamber, an ignition source projecting into the mixing chamber of the auxiliary combustion chamber, and a second igniter stage that includes an auxiliary fuel outlet manifold proximal to an outlet of the tubular throat.

Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a turbine combustor assembly includes a primary combustion chamber in fluid communication with a primary fuel injector and a primary air inlet, and an igniter carried by the primary combustion chamber and including a first igniter stage having an auxiliary combustion chamber housing comprising a mixing chamber and a tubular throat converging downstream of the mixing chamber, an ignition source projecting into the mixing chamber of the auxiliary combustion chamber, and a second igniter stage that includes an auxiliary fuel outlet manifold proximal to an outlet of the tubular throat.

Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a turbine combustor assembly includes a primary combustion chamber in fluid communication with a primary fuel injector and a primary air inlet, and an igniter carried by the primary combustion chamber and including a first igniter stage having an auxiliary combustion chamber housing comprising a mixing chamber and a tubular throat converging downstream of the mixing chamber, an ignition source projecting into the mixing chamber of the auxiliary combustion chamber, and a second igniter stage that includes an auxiliary fuel outlet manifold proximal to an outlet of the tubular throat.

Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a method that includes igniting an igniter stage configured to ignite combustion in a turbine combustor assembly, receiving pressure signals from a pressure sensor configured to sense pressure in the turbine combustor assembly, and controlling operation of the igniter stage based on the received pressure signals.

Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a turbine combustor assembly includes a primary combustion chamber in fluid communication with a primary fuel injector and a primary air inlet, and an igniter carried by the primary combustion chamber and including a first igniter stage having an auxiliary combustion chamber housing comprising a mixing chamber and a tubular throat converging downstream of the mixing chamber, an ignition source projecting into the mixing chamber of the auxiliary combustion chamber, and a second igniter stage that includes an auxiliary fuel outlet manifold proximal to an outlet of the tubular throat.

Abstract: A sensor and method for using the same is disclosed. The sensor includes an optical cavity defined by first and second mirrors that have a spacing therebetween that varies in response to a force applied to the sensor and to a control voltage. The sensor has a drive circuit that measures light leaving an output port that samples light in said cavity and applies the control voltage to the optical cavity such that the spacing between the mirrors remains at a predetermined value independent of the force, the control voltage determining an output signal that provides a measurement of the force applied to the optical cavity. In one embodiment, the first mirror is fixed to the second mirror by a spring mechanism that causes the first mirror to move away from the second mirror, and the control voltage causes the first mirror to move toward the second mirror.

Abstract: A sensor and method for using the same is disclosed. The sensor includes an optical cavity defined by first and second mirrors that have a spacing therebetween that varies in response to a force applied to the sensor and to a control voltage. The sensor has a drive circuit that measures light leaving an output port that samples light in said cavity and applies the control voltage to the optical cavity such that the spacing between the mirrors remains at a predetermined value independent of the force, the control voltage determining an output signal that provides a measurement of the force applied to the optical cavity. In one embodiment, the first mirror is fixed to the second mirror by a spring mechanism that causes the first mirror to move away from the second mirror, and the control voltage causes the first mirror to move toward the second mirror.