The cross-correlation technique has been used to obtain statistical properties of scalar density fluctuations. Two schlieren instruments with their optical beams intersecting in the turbulent field each give a signal proportional to the density gradient in the flow direction but integrated along the beam path. Cross-correlation of the two signals gives an area integral of the density-gradient covariance. For locally isotropic conditions the area integration can exactly compensate for the two gradients giving a result proportional to the local mean-square density fluctuation at the beam intersection point.

Experiments performed in the shear layer of a subsonic jet show results which tend to verify the principles of crossed-schlieren measurement. Intensity levels are close to those predicted assuming density fluctuations are related isentropically to local, incompressible pressure fluctuations.