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To promote improved automotive safety, present Federal specifications require the reduction of glare by sunlight reflection from a trim surface by restricting its intensity. The specifications imply that matte surfaces must be used. The alternative described herein reduces glare of reflected sunlight from reflective surfaces by decreasing the apparent size of the image. The necessary demagnification is obtained by utilization of surface curvature. The maximum radius of curvature is calculated by geometric optics.

Tests of laser ignition are conducted in a combustion bomb. A range of fuels is investigated comprising isooctane, cyclohexane, n-heptane, n-hexane, clear indolene, and No. 1 diesel fuel. The ignition characteristics of laser-induced sparks are compared with sparks generated with a spark plug for different air/fuel ratios. The power density required to produce laser induced sparks is investigated. Although laser ignition appears to be impractical as an ignition device because of its low efficiency and high cost, it presents some interesting possibilities compared to the standard spark plug in that the laser spark is electrodeless and can be positioned anywhere inside the combustion chamber. Its primary use appears to be as a research tool.