Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing emissions in combustion products. Fuel and primary oxidant are introduced into a burner tube and discharged as a fuel/oxidant mixture, preferably fuel-rich, into a primary combustion chamber. The combustion flame entrains, through a peripheral gap between the burner tube and a wall of a first housing, a first portion of secondary oxidant in the primary combustion chamber. The combustion flame is then directed, preferably through a swaged orifice, into a secondary combustion chamber. Within the secondary combustion chamber, the combustion flame entrains a second portion of secondary oxidant and then combustion products are discharged through an exhaust tube.

Abstract: A laser ultrasonics technique is used to characterize a composite dispersive response signal from a sample under analysis, such as a semiconductor wafer. Rather than measuring individual acoustic wave velocities at specific frequencies, an entire dispersive response signal is analyzed. In a presently preferred embodiment of this invention the entire dispersive response signal is analyzed using a wavelet-based technique, such as a discrete wavelet transform analysis technique. The discrete wavelet transform analysis technique is shown to provide an accurate, non-contact measurement of the temperature of the wafer.

Abstract: A system for reducing the formation of NO.sub.x pollutants during the combustion of liquid fuel in a gas turbine engine. The system comprises introducing an externally modulated, rapidly-pulsed, oscillated or sinusoidal fuel flow delivery rate (generically referred to as "modulated") to produce a controlled degree of combustor air input flow oscillation and bulk flow oscillation within the combustor which enhances the fuel-air mixing rate and homogeneity within the combustor, decreases the residence time of transition fuel/air mixtures prone to NO.sub.x formation, and substantially decreases the NO.sub.x concentration in the resulting combustion gas product without creating a net pressure gain throughout the combustion chamber.