Abstract

Techniques to increase the sensitivity and capabilities of IR laser based sensors for atmospheric measurement are rapidly expanding. This paper addresses research into the development of fixed-frequency rare gas lasers and their role in the development of state-of-the-art measurement techniques. In particular, work in progress developing a laser absorption spectrometer using a neon laser transition near 8 μm is described. The instrument is designed to use the neon laser, a CdTe electrooptic modulator (EOM), a specially designed offaxis resonator multipass absorption cell, and a very high bandwidth IR detector. The EOM and high bandwidth detector are necessary to exploit the very sensitive detection methods of frequency modulation spectroscopy. Potential and realized advantages of fixed-frequency IR lasers are addressed, as well as some drawbacks and limitations.

© 1989 Optical Society of America