Abstract

We present a theoretical and experimental comparison of single-tone and two-tone frequency modulation (FM) spectroscopy using lead–salt diode lasers. Our analysis reveals those diode laser operating characteristics that are necessary for high sensitivity performance using either technique for IR absorption measurements. High sensitivity performance using these techniques requires laser diodes having low incidental amplitude modulation and a small variation in FM/AM phase shift over a suitable diode tuning range. Neither requirement is met with the present mesa-stripe lead-salt diode laser technology.

© 1987 Optical Society of America

Two-tone optical heterodyne spectroscopy using buried double heterostructure lead–salt diode lasers

Joel A. Silver and Alan C. Stanton
Appl. Opt. 27(21) 4438-4444 (1988)

Frequency modulation and wavelength modulation spectroscopies: comparison of experimental methods using a lead-salt diode laser

David S. Bomse, Alan C. Stanton, and Joel A. Silver
Appl. Opt. 31(6) 718-731 (1992)

Two-tone optical heterodyne spectroscopy with diode lasers: theory of line shapes and experimental results

David E. Cooper and Russell E. Warren
J. Opt. Soc. Am. B 4(4) 470-480 (1987)

Single-tone and two-tone AM–FM spectral calculations for tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy

Nee-Yin Chou and Glen W. Sachse
Appl. Opt. 26(17) 3584-3587 (1987)

Quantum noise-limited FM spectroscopy with a lead-salt diode laser

Clinton B. Carlisle, David E. Cooper, and Horst Preier
Appl. Opt. 28(13) 2567-2576 (1989)