Compact fibre-based coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering spectroscopy and interferometric coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering from a single femtosecond fibre-laser oscillator

We demonstrate a new approach to CARS spectroscopy by efficiently synthesizing synchronized narrow-bandwidth (less than 10 cm⁻¹) pump and Stokes pulses (frequency difference continuously tunable upto ≈3000 cm⁻¹) based on spectral compression together with second harmonic generation (in periodically-poled nonlinear crystals) of femtosecond pulses emitted by a single compact Er-fibre oscillator. For a far better signal to non-resonant background contrast, interferometric CARS (I-CARS) is demonstrated and CARS signal enhancement upto three orders of magnitude is achieved by constructive interference with an auxiliary local oscillator at anti-Stokes field, also synthesized by spectral compression of pulses emitted from the same fibre oscillator.     

Test of an optical parametric oscillator (OPO) as a compact and fast tunable stokes source in coherent anti-stokes raman spectroscopy (CARS)

An optical parametric oscillator (OPO), as a novel kind of broadband Stokes source, is employed for coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy (CARS). Compared to the conventional dye laser configuration OPO-CARS offers practical advantages. The tunable OPO allows a fast and comfortable frequency tuning. The excitation bandwidth of about 35 cm^–1 (FWHM) limits the spectral range of effective and stable single pulse CARS generation but can be used to enhance selected spectral structures.     

Coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering and normal anti-Stokes Raman scattering due to LO phonons in GaP using cw diode lasers

Coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) and normal anti-Stokes Raman scattering (NARS) have been measured in (001) GaP at room temperature due to the 403 cm⁻¹ LO phonons using a continuous wave (CW) 785.0 nm fixed-wavelength pump laser and a CW Stokes laser tunable in the 800-830 nm wavelength range. CARS measurements are normally made using pulsed lasers. The use of CW diode lasers allows a more accurate comparison between the measured and calculated values of the CARS signal. The pump and Stokes laser beams were linearly polarized perpendicular to each other, same as the pump and normal Stokes/anti-Stokes scattered light for the GaP sample used in this work. The pump and Stokes laser powers incident upon the GaP sample, located in the focal plane of a 20 mm effective focal length lens, were <20 and 50 mW, respectively. The diameter of the laser beams in the focal plane of the focusing lens was determined to 40±5 μm. The pump and Stokes laser beam intensities incident upon the 0.3 mm thick GaP sample were <2 and 5 kW cm², respectively. The powers of the CARS and NARS signals were measured using a Raman spectrometer. The signal output of the Raman spectrometer was calibrated using the pump laser and several neutral density filters. The Raman linewidth (full-width at half-maximum) of the LO phonons was determined to be 0.95±0.05 cm⁻¹, using the variation of the CARS signal with the wavelength of the Stokes laser. The measured powers of the CARS and NARS signals are about a factor of 5 and 1.5, respectively, smaller than those calculated from the corresponding theoretical expressions.     

Single‐beam coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) spectroscopy of gas‐phase CO2 via phase and polarization shaping of a broadband continuum

Coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) spectroscopy of gas‐phase CO₂ is demonstrated using a single femtosecond (fs) laser beam. A shaped ultrashort laser pulse with a transform‐limited temporal width of ∼7 fs and spectral bandwidth of ∼225 nm (∼3500 cm⁻¹) is employed for simultaneous excitation of the CO₂ Fermi dyads at ∼1285 and ∼1388 cm⁻¹. CARS signal intensities for the two Raman transitions and their ratio as a function of pressure are presented. The signal‐to‐noise ratio of the single beam–generated CO₂ CARS signal is sufficient to perform concentration measurements at a rate of 1 kHz. The implications of these experiments for measuring CO₂ concentrations and rapid pressure fluctuations in hypersonic and detonation‐based chemically reacting flows are also discussed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Broadband (1000 cm−1) multiplex CARS spectroscopy: Application to polarization sensitive and time-resolved measurements

A multiplex CARS spectrometer based on a cw diode-pumpedQ-switched Nd: YLF laser, a broadband dye-laser and a multichannel spectrum detection system has been constructed. Excellent mode characteristics of the laser beams and high pulse repetition rate (2 kHz) have resulted in good signal-to-noise ratio achieved with a few seconds accumulation time. A 1000 cm^–1 wide spectral range is covered in a single CARS spectrum with an expanded bandwidth of the dye laser. A thin-jet sampling method is used in order to avoid the phase-matching limitation. The efficient spectral intensity normalization by the reference (CCl₄) nonresonant spectrum and subsequent computer fitting have been implemented. The performance of the system is demonstrated by two different experiments. First, the polarization sensitive measurements (PS-CARS) of cyclohexane show its potential for accurate Raman depolarization ratio determination and for detection of weak (overlapped) Raman bands. Second, the transient resonance CARS measurement of the lowest excited triplet state of all-trans retinal indicate its feasibility to time-resolved CARS spectroscopy of fluorescent excited states.     

Ultrabroadband (>2000 cm-1) multiplex coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering spectroscopy using a subnanosecond supercontinuum light source

We have developed ultrabroadband (>2000 cm(-1)) multiplex coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) spectroscopy using a subnanosecond (sub-ns) microchip laser source. A photonic crystal fiber specifically designed for sub-ns supercontinuum (SC) generation has been used for obtaining ultrabroadband Stokes radiation, which enables us to achieve simultaneous vibrational excitation in the range from 800 to 3000 cm(-1). We have successfully obtained multiplex CARS spectra for several molecular liquids. Since the CARS system using the sub-ns SC is simple and compact, it can be easily applied to ultrabroadband multiplex CARS microspectroscopy.     

CARS investigation of collisional shift of the hydrogen Q‐branch transitions by water at high temperatures

A high‐resolution (∼0.1 cm⁻¹) spectroscopic method based on the application of a Fabry–Pérot interferometer to the spectral analysis of the coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) signal from an individual Raman transition was used to obtain single‐shot spectra of hydrogen Q‐branch transitions directly in the flame of a pulsed, high‐pressure H₂/O₂ combustion chamber. Simultaneously with the Fabry–Pérot pattern, a broadband CARS spectrum of the complete H₂Q ‐branch structure was recorded in order to measure the temperature of the probe volume. During every cycle of the combustion chamber, a pressure pulse together with single‐shot CARS spectra, providing information on individual line shapes and medium temperature, was recorded. On the basis of the experimental data, the temperature dependences of lineshift coefficients for several Q‐branch lines of hydrogen molecules under collisions with water molecules were determined in the temperature range 2100 < T < 3500 K, and an empirical ‘fitting law’ for H₂ H₂O lineshift coefficients is proposed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Detection of free NH2(X 2 B 1) radicals by CARS spectroscopy

CARS spectra of NH₃ and the free NH₂-radical in the NH stretch region at 3334 and 3220 cm^–1 have been obtained, respectively. The NH₂ radicals were generated by laser photolysis of 0.5 mbar NH₃ at 193 nm with an ArF-exciplex laser and detected by time resolved CARS spectroscopy.     

Collisional narrowing and spectral shift in coherent anti-stokes Raman spectra of molecular nitrogen up to 2500 bar and 700 K

CARS spectra of the N₂ Q-branch up to 2500 bar and 700 K have been measured. Calculated spectra based on theoretical models show significant disagreement with measured spectra above 300 bar so that CARS temperature measurements are in error by 130 K at 700 K and –150 K at 295 K. The spectral shift of the Q-branch reaches an asymptotic value corresponding to that measured in liquid nitrogen.     

Infrared spectra of urine from cancerous bladders

The infrared spectra of organic constituents of urine from cancerous bladders of some patients were recorded. The spectra of the organic part of the samples were classified into five types according to the bulk constituents. Samples with type A spectra consisted mainly of proteins with only trace amounts of lipids. Their spectra were characterized mainly by the absorption bands of proteins at the frequencies 3330, 3075, 2960, 2850, 1650, 1530, 1450, 1400 and 1320 cm^–1, in addition to a weak band at 1720 cm^–1 due to the absorption of lipids. Samples with type B spectra were characterized by high amounts of proteins and low amounts of lipids and phosphate compounds. The presence of phosphate compounds was indicated by the absorption bands at the frequencies 1100 and 1030 cm^–1. Samples giving spectral type C were characterized by high urea contents as indicated by the presence of two strong bands at 1670 and 1630 cm^–1. Samples with the spectral type D consisted of urea and phosphate compounds whereas the last spectral type E consisted mainly of calcium oxalates, uric acids and phosphate compounds. The presence of calcium oxalates was indicated by the presence of its diagnostic bands at the frequencies 1630 and 1330 cm^–1, while the presence of uric acid was indicated by the bands at the frequencies 1360, 1130, 1020 and 880 cm^–1. On the other hand, the spectra of the organic part of urine from some normal bladders exhibited the characteristic bands of urea only.Careful examination of the spectra of the inorganic part of urine revealed that some samples consisted mainly of hydroxyapatite. The absorption bands of hydroxyapatite appeared at the frequencies 568, 603, 985, 1037 and 1128 cm^–1. The spectra of other samples showed that the bands of basic phosphates at the frequencies 568, 620, 727, 890, 1035 and 1140 cm^–1. The spectra of the inorganic part of urine from a number of normal bladders displayed the bands of basic phosphates. The relationship between urine constituents and pathological types of bladder tumor tissue was discussed.     

Heterodyne interferometric polarization coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering (HIP‐CARS) spectroscopy

We demonstrate a new technique that combines polarization sensitivity of the coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) response with heterodyne amplification for background‐free detection of CARS signals. In this heterodyne interferometric polarization CARS (HIP‐CARS), the major drawbacks of polarization and heterodyne CARS are rectified. Using a home‐built picosecond optical parametric oscillator, we are able to address vibrational stretches between 600 and 1650 cm⁻¹ and record continuous high‐resolution Raman equivalent HIP‐CARS spectra. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Threshold and saturation properties of a solid-state XeF (C-A) excimer laser

A dielectric laser cavity of 1 cm length has been optimized for high gain (7 cm^–1) operation which is achieved in XeF doped Ar crystals. Mode structures on the C-A spectral distribution around 540 nm and far field transverse mode patterns are reported. Photchemical gain burning is observed in the spectral mode structures. The dependence of the laser threshold on pump energy, pumped length and on cavity losses is studied. XeF densities of 7×10¹⁷ cm^–3 and distributed losses of 1.2 cm^–1 are derived. The measured quantum efficiency of 14% and the saturation behaviour are consistently described. Losses by transient aborption and two photon absorption are discussed.     

CARS diagnostics of fluid adsorption and condensation in small mesopores

Coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) spectroscopy is applied to diagnostics of phase behavior of a fluid in pores of nanoporous glasses. Samples with mean pore radii of 2 and 3.5 nm were filled with compressed carbon dioxide at near‐room temperatures. CARS spectra of the 1388 cm⁻¹ Q‐branch were measured at isothermal compressing in a wide pressure range including the transition from gaseous to condensed state. The spectra show specific transformations caused by fluid adsorption and condensation in nanopores. We have carried out calculations of the spectral profiles based on the phase behavior of carbon dioxide in cylindrical glass nanopores. Phase behavior modeling was performed using thermodynamic concepts of surface adsorption and capillary condensation. A good agreement between experimental spectra and calculations was obtained. The potential of CARS technique for the diagnostics of fluid phase behavior in pores and for the characterization of nanoporous host structure is discussed. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Line width of a ruby laser with a liquid switch

A Fabry-Perot interferometer is used in the wedge mode to examine the line width with a passive Q switch. The width is found to fall from 0.2 cm^–1 in free oscillation to 0.005 cm^–1 in the single-pulse mode.We are indebted to O. L. Lebedev and V. K. Kolesnikova for assistance in this work.     

Infrared absorption and far-infrared diffuse reflection spectra in Pb-doped Bi?Sr?Ca?Cu?O high-temperature superconductor

In this paper we study the room-temperature infrared transmission spectra (400–1600cm^–1) and far-infrared diffuse reflection spectra (50–450cm^–1) in Pb-doped Bi–Sr–Ca–Cu–O (2223) single phase (Tc=107k, sp1), multiphase (Tc=110k, sp2) and nonsuperconducting samples (sp3). The spectral features in superconductor are totally different from those in nonsuperconductor, which show the different crystal structure. The correlation existing between a factor group analysis of the phonons in (2223) and (2212) compounds affords a tentative assignment of ir-active modes in Pb-doped (2223) single phase by comparison with reported data in (2212) materials. The Cu–O stretching E_u vibration (605cm^–1) of CuO₂ layers is the characteristic vibrational mode related perovskitelike crystal structures. Two phonon coupling effect emerges in the infrared transmission spectra in Pb-doped superconductor. The Ca–O vibration A_2u (254cm^–1) might be related to superconductivity of Bi-based family.     

Anharmonic resonances in the vibrational spectra of pyrazine

The quartic force field of pyrazine has been calculated in the B3LYP/6-31G(d) hybrid density-functional approximation. Based on the results of this calculation, the total IR (250–3800 cm^–1) and Raman (400–3200 cm^–1) spectra of pyrazine have been interpreted with consideration for the Fermi and Darling-Dennison resonances and their spectral manifestations. A precision method is proposed for anharmonic analysis of the vibrational states of polyatomic molecules on the basis of consideration of their theoretical anharmonicity constants in combination with the corresponding experimental frequencies. The method of linear scaling of frequencies has been theoretically substantiated.__________Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 72, No. 1, pp. 13–22, January–February, 2005.     

Laser-induced breakdown of krypton near five-photon ionization threshold

Selective excitation of laser-induced breakdown in krypton in the pressure range 1–4 bar and the spectral range 420–620 nm at a laser intensity of 10¹¹ W/cm² has been studied. It is shown that the breakdown of krypton can be induced selectively due to resonantly enhanced multiphoton ionization via excited atomic states. A number of four- and five-photon atomic resonances have been identified in breakdown excitation spectra. The role of different factors determining the selectivity of the breakdown has been studied. Possible analytical applications of a selective breakdown are discussed.     

Far infrared emission spectra from stratospheric hydrogen peroxide

Synthetic emission spectra from two stratospheric altitude observations have been analyzed for the presence of H₂O₂ in the far infrared region. The calculations are made with a high spectral resolution (10^–3 cm^–1 or 10^–4 cm^–1) greater than those in experimental measurements which are in the region of 3.10^–3 cm^–1. Spectra cover a spectral interval between 40 and 120 cm^–1 showing the best features of H₂O₂ susceptible to observation in a stratospheric spectrum. The optimum conditions for identification have been considered. Using the variations in H₂O₂ abundance in the measurement data and photochemical models, the H₂O₂ features detection limits have been studied.     

Optical studies on free-standing polypyrrole films by the photopyroelectric method

Optical spectra of free-standing polypyrrole films were investigated by a novel PhotoPyroElectric (PPE) method. The reflection and absorption spectra in the range 2000–25000 cm^–1 of TsO^–- and ClO ₄ ^su– -doped polypyrrole films were obtained with an experimental setup comprising two pyroelectric sensors. The absorption bands due to electronic transitions to the bonding and antibonding bipolaronic levels appear at 11 000 and 21 500 cm^–1, respectively. Some relevant details in the polypyrrole spectrum in the 2000–5000 cm^–1 range were observed. The absorption band located at 3400 cm^–1 is characteristic for NH stretching vibration. The bands in the 2300–2500 cm^–1 range are ascribed to the vibration of N⁺H groups containing positively charged nitrogen. The PPE spectra also reveal changes of the electronic and vibrational absorption bands after polymer reduction and HCl treatment.     

Photoinduced Oxidation of Diphenylbisanthene and Its Spectral Manifestations

The absorption and fluorescence spectra of diphenylbisanthene (DPB) in n-octane and benzene at 300 and 77 K have been investigated. The appreciable Stokes shift of the fluorescence band (180 cm^–1 in n-octane and 440 cm^–1 in benzene) points to the nonplanar character of the aromatic skeleton of DPB, which has been confirmed by results of the optimization of the molecule geometry by the AMI quantum-mechanical method. It has been found that spectral manifestations of the products of photoinduced transformations of DPB molecules are observed in the UV region (200–350 nm), and it has been shown that the observed photochemical process is two orders of magnitude less effective than for diphenylhelianthrene. On the basis of the experimental data and the results of the quantum-chemical calculations of the electronic spectra of molecules of DPB and endoperoxides (ZINDO/S method), it has been concluded that the end products of DPB phototransformations are its endobiperoxides in which —O—O— groups are added to the phenyl-substituted benzene rings of the aromatic skeleton.