Advances in tunable diode laser technology for atmospheric monitoring a

摘要

Abstract: Tunable lead-salt diode lasers (TDLs) have long proved to be useful spectroscopic sources for specialized atmospheric pollution monitoring and atmospheric chemistry research. These lasers possess a number of unique characteristics which are of interest in atmospheric monitoring, such as tunability in the mid-infrared, narrow emission linewidth, high brightness, small emitting are, and ease of electronic modulation. While used extensively in basic research applications, TDLs have failed to find more widespread use in routine monitoring applications, due in part to the cost and complexity at the system level arising from stringent cryogenic cooling requirements. This paper describes recent developments in TDL manufacturing technology at Laser Photonics Analytics Division (LPAD), resulting in higher temperature operation ($GRT 200 K CW) and improved spectroscopic performance and reliability. These factors have led to lower costs and general system simplifications which are necessary for routine monitoring and diagnostic applications. System design considerations will be discussed in light of these developments, and new TDL developments currently under way will be presented.!