Apparatus and method for measurement of weak optical absorptions by thermally induced laser pulsing

Patent · Tue Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 1985

OSTI ID:7001549

Cremers, D A; Keller, R A

The thermal lensing phenomenon is used as the basis for measurement of weak optical absorptions when a cell containing the sample to be investigated is inserted into a normally continuous-wave operation laser-pumped dye laser cavity for which the output coupler is deliberately tilted relative to intracavity circulating laser light, and pulsed laser output ensues, the pulsewidth of which can be related to the sample absorptivity by a simple algorithm or calibration curve. A minimum detection limit of less than 10[sup [minus]5] cm[sup [minus]1] has been demonstrated using this technique. 6 figs.

• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-36
• Assignee: Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC (United States)
• Patent Number(s): US 4544274; A
• Application Number: PPN: US 6-386372
• OSTI ID: 7001549
• Resource Relation: Patent File Date: 8 Jun 1982
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION
MATERIALS
OPTICAL PROPERTIES
OPTICAL EQUIPMENT
DESIGN
ABSORPTION
ABSORPTIVITY
DYE LASERS
LASER CAVITIES
LASER RADIATION
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
MEASURING METHODS
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
EQUIPMENT
LASERS
LIQUID LASERS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
RADIATIONS
SORPTION
440600* - Optical Instrumentation- (1990-)