In the present thesis, it is attempted to build a bridge between the most simplified systems that have already been studied in literature (laminar flame burners, in which simple fuels such as methane, ethane or ethylene are burnt at atmospheric pressure) and the much more complex and demanding environment that is found in practical combustion engines. This is accomplished by designing and constructing a high pressure vessel and laminar burner (HPVB) integrated with an evaporation system. The capability of the HPVB setup of burning vaporized liquid fuels in laminar diffusion and partially premixed flames brings the important opportunity to isolate more easily the impact of fuel chemistry on the combustion behavior of relevant fuels and biofuels. This experimental setup is particularly designed to offer optical accessibility for laser diagnostic techniques, also allowing their assessment and development at elevated pressures. Background information on the type of burners mostly used for combustion studies in laminar flames is given in chapter 2 with focus on measurements in a high pressure environment. A detailed description of the design capabilities of the HPVB setup and the flame stability issues encountered are also presented and discussed. The theory behind the laser diagnostic techniques applied in this work are reviewed in chapter 3. The chapters 4 to 6 present the measurements carried out to characterize a large range of flames from gaseous and vaporized liquid fuels using laser diagnostics. In chapter 7, the heat flux method for laminar burning velocity measurements is presented and a feasibility study is performed to extend the applicability of the method to higher pressures. This is accomplished by integrating the heat flux burner in the high pressure vessel of the HPVB setup. Chapter 8 summarizes the conclusions and provide recommendations
