Abstract

Tunable mid-IR laser sources based upon fiber optic pumped difference-frequency generation (DFG) have recently made significant progress. Several advances in the design of DFG sources and detection schemes have been made and now permit ultra-sensitive detection of several important trace gas species in the mid-IR spectral region. Using wavelength modulation detection and dynamic ratiometric optical noise removal, we routinely achieve a detectable absorbance of ~10⁻⁷ for 60 seconds of averaging time. We will present some of the key improvements and discuss future capabilities unique to optical fiber pumped DFG laser sources.

© 2006 Optical Society of America