Difference frequency generation spectrometer for simultaneous multispecies detection

Opt Express. 2010 Dec 20;18(26):27670-81. doi: 10.1364/OE.18.027670.

Abstract

A difference-frequency generation based spectrometer system for simultaneous ultra-sensitive measurements of formaldehyde (CH2O) and Methane (CH4) is presented. A new multiplexing approach using collinear quasi-phase-matching in a single grating period of periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) is discussed and demonstrated for two pairs of pump and signal lasers to generate mid-infrared frequencies at 2831.64 cm(-1) and 2916.32 cm(-1), respectively. The corresponding absorption signals are discriminated by modulating the DFB diode lasers at modulation frequencies of 40 kHz and 50 kHz, respectively, and using a computer based modulation and de-modulation scheme. In addition, simultaneous measurements of CH2O, CH4 and H2O are demonstrated utilizing both collinear and non-collinear quasi-phase-matching.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Complex Mixtures / analysis*
  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Formaldehyde / analysis*
  • Lasers*
  • Methane / analysis*
  • Spectrum Analysis / instrumentation*
  • Spectrum Analysis / methods*

Substances

  • Complex Mixtures
  • Formaldehyde
  • Methane