Spectroscopic detection of methane using a portable room-temperature mid-IR laser source based on guided-wave difference-frequency generation

Douglas J. Bamford; Max Loewenstein; Hansjuerg Jost; David J. Cook

doi:10.1117/12.453731

23 September 2002 Spectroscopic detection of methane using a portable room-temperature mid-IR laser source based on guided-wave difference-frequency generation

Douglas J. Bamford, Max Loewenstein, Hansjuerg Jost, David J. Cook

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 4817, Diode Lasers and Applications in Atmospheric Sensing; (2002) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.453731
Event: International Symposium on Optical Science and Technology, 2002, Seattle, WA, United States

Abstract

We demonstrate a new tunable mid-IR laser source based on the guided-wave frequency conversion of two diode lasers operating in the near-infrared. Important features of this laser source include portability, room-temperature operation, freedom from thermal cycling, smooth tunability, and modular construction using readily available components. The source, when fully optimized, will maintain the properties which have made lead-salt lasers so useful for atmospheric trace gas detection, including sub-Doppler linewidths, microwatt-level output powers, and amenability to detection techniques based on frequency modulation. We describe the design and construction of the laser source, including its key component: a waveguide fabricated in periodically poled lithium niobate. In addition, we present a laboratory absorption spectrum which illustrates the potential usefulness of this laser source for the detection of atmospheric methane. Difficulties encountered when making the transition from a laboratory tabletop device to a portable device are discussed.

Citation Download Citation

Douglas J. Bamford, Max Loewenstein, Hansjuerg Jost, and David J. Cook "Spectroscopic detection of methane using a portable room-temperature mid-IR laser source based on guided-wave difference-frequency generation", Proc. SPIE 4817, Diode Lasers and Applications in Atmospheric Sensing, (23 September 2002); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.453731

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