Development of Mid-Infrared Lasers for the Measurement of Trace Atmospheric Gases

In order to thoroughly characterize atmospheric composition at all altitudes, an unprecedented scientific and technical effort is needed. Essential to the advancement of both satellite and in situ science are improvements in continuous wave (CW) and high-power pulsed laser systems in the infrared spectral region integrated with miniaturized electronic and optical components, allowing for the deployment of single mode light sources aboard satellite and UAV platforms. Sources in the the spectral region from 2.8 μm to 3.5 μm are crucial to the sensitive and precise quantification of several atmospherically relevant species, including: OH, H2O, H218O, HDO, CH4, 13CH4, CO2, CH2O, and C2H6, all of which present strong fundamental vibrational absorptions in this mid-infrared range. Currently, however, a massive technology gap exists in both CW and pulsed laser systems within this spectral window. Recent developments include the advancement of CW tunable diode technology using new solid state materials to improve electron hole localization, and the initial integration of these lasers into miniaturized optoelectronic systems ideal for in situ deployment. In addition, high-power pulsed light sources have been produced using optical parametric generation (OPG). A single-frequency Nd:YAG pumps a nonlinear crystal, injection seeded with a diode laser to enhance efficiency and reduce the bandwidth of the output radiation, creating a light source ideal for LIDAR and other remote sensing applications.