Tunable lasers in laser spectroscopy

A brief review is given of existing classes of frequency-tunable lasers and possible areas for their effective application. It is noted that the use of tunable lasers in spectroscopy makes it possible to study the fine structure of absorption lines, determine the constants of vibrational-rotational molecular reactions, and obtain information on intermolecular as well as intramolecular interactions. Instruments discussed include parametric oscillators, ternary-compound semiconductor lasers, spin-flip Raman lasers, solid-state lasers, and organic-dye lasers.