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

Patent · Tue Oct 01 04:00:00 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): A; US 4544274
• Application Number: PPN: US 6-386372
• OSTI ID: 7001549
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

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