Abstract

Compact, room-temperature mid-infrared laser sources have a variety of applications in the quantitative detection of gases. For example, many gases of importance for atmospheric science can be detected quantitatively using strong absorption lines in this spectral region. We are developing a room temperature mid-IR laser source based on the frequency mixing of two diode lasers in periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN). This laser source has been used to measure strong absorption lines of water vapor (at 2.7 μm), methane (at 3.4 μm) and carbon dioxide (at 4.3 μm).

© 1998 Optical Society of America