Fiber-lasers for coherent Raman detection of toxic chemical hazards

摘要

We report on a fiber-format laser system for Fourier-transform coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy (FT-CARS) oftoxic chemical hazards, such as chemical warfare agents (CWAs). The system is based on ytterbium-fiber technologyfeaturing ultra-broad spectral coverage and high-sensitivity. High-quality CARS spectra with maximum Raman shifts of3000 cm-1 and signal-to-noise ratio >200 for observation times of 160 μs are measured; a detection limit of one part perthousand is demonstrated with a cyanide/water solution. The system was developed as the basis for a highly accurate,sensitive, reliable and portable device for the real time detection of water contaminants and deposited CWAs at trace levels.