Quantitative intracavity spectroscopy

For the solution of various problems of atmospheric optics, information is needed regarding weak absorption lines with respect to atmospheric gases and gases which may appear in the atmosphere as pollutants. The method of 'intracavity laser spectroscopy' makes it possible to record and measure the parameters of such lines. One of the unresolved questions arising in connection with the practical employment of intracavity laser spectroscopy is related to the acquisition of quantitative information regarding the absorption spectrum under investigation. The development of a suitable method for obtaining the needed quantitative information is considered. The present investigation is concerned with the modification of a method reported by Luk'ianenko (1977). This method makes it possible to obtain information regarding the absorption coefficient. Attention is given to the operational characteristics of the method, errors occurring in connection with the determination of the absorption coefficient, an experimental verification of operational characteristics, and examples for method utilization.