Wavelength agile CO2 laser for chemical sensing

David B. Cohn; Jay A. Fox; Cynthia R. Swim

doi:10.1117/12.176650

25 May 1994 Wavelength agile CO₂ laser for chemical sensing

David B. Cohn, Jay A. Fox, Cynthia R. Swim

Proceedings Volume 2118, Gas, Metal Vapor, and Free-Electron Lasers and Applications; (1994) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.176650
Event: OE/LASE '94, 1994, Los Angeles, CA, United States

Abstract

A compact, wavelength agile laser and sensor have been developed for remote detection of chemicals. The laser is a computer- controlled, sealed TEA CO₂ device with internal catalyst that operates at a maximum firing and wavelength shift rate of 200 Hz with 40% duty cycle. The wavelength shifter, composed of a fixed grating and galvanometer-mounted mirror, operates in repeating patterns with access to 55 lines in the CO₂ spectrum in any order. Multi-mode output energy exceeds 125 mJ for all lines and the output pulse is composed of a 120 nsec wide gain-switched spike, followed by a 1.5 microsecond(s) ec tail. Environmental testing was successfully carried out under a 3 g shock, 2 g sine wave vibration, and a 0-40 degree(s)C temperature range. An operational lifetime exceeding 50 million shots was demonstrated with tests terminated by the operator, not a malfunction. The fully integrated laser weighs 100 pounds and requires only a source of 28 Vdc to operate. The laser was integrated with a sensor and in successful field trials the sensor noise was found to be 1-2%, measurement of atmospheric water vapor was within the accuracy of meteorological instruments; and measurement of concentration-path length product for chemicals in a vapor chamber approached the value expected for the noise figure.

Citation Download Citation

David B. Cohn, Jay A. Fox, and Cynthia R. Swim "Wavelength agile CO₂ laser for chemical sensing", Proc. SPIE 2118, Gas, Metal Vapor, and Free-Electron Lasers and Applications, (25 May 1994); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.176650

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