Line parameters of H2O around 0.8 μm studied by tuneable diode laser spectroscopy

The absorption spectrum of H₂O has been extensively studied over the past decades in the near-infrared and visible regions, but there remain significant discrepancies in the 10,000-12,500 cm⁻¹ range even for the most intense lines. We have studied 24 lines of H₂O using an external-cavity diode laser emitting in the 810-830 nm range, in order to measure absolute line intensities as well as air- and self-broadening coefficients. Comparisons were made with values obtained from the HITRAN database and also with other parameters from recent experiments or predicted calculations. It is suggested that neglecting the effects of H₂O collisional narrowing in radiative transfer calculations of the Earth's atmosphere may have a small but significant impact on the radiative budget of the Earth.     

Self-broadening coefficients and positions of acetylene around 1.533 μm studied by high-resolution diode laser absorption spectrometry

The self-broadening coefficients of acetylene at room temperature have been measured for 10 lines in the P branch of the bands of ¹²C₂H₂ and ¹³C¹²CH₂ near 1.533 μm, using a high resolution tunable diode laser spectrometer developed for the Martian space mission PHOBOS-Grunt. The collisional widths are obtained by fitting each recorded line with the Voigt profile as well as the Rautian profile accounting for the collisional Dicke narrowing effect. The standard Voigt model provides slightly smaller broadening coefficients than the Rautian model. Our data are thoroughly compared to the main atmospheric molecule database HITRAN and previous values in various bands of acetylene. Moreover, it is worth noting that a large number of new transitions not listed in the latest HITRAN08 were measured and identified for the first time.     

Pressure broadening coefficients of ν5 fundamental band lines of CH3I at 7 μm measured by diode laser absorption spectroscopy

We have measured the room temperature pressure broadening coefficients, γ, of over 100 lines in five Q-branches of the ν₅ perpendicular band of methyl iodide (¹²CH₃I) using tuneable diode laser absorption spectroscopy. The profiles of individual lines in the ^PQ₂, ^PQ₄, ^PQ₅, ^PQ₆ and ^RQ₃ branches were recorded in a 1 m long White cell and at nitrogen or oxygen pressures up to 15 Torr. The lines were fitted to the Voigt profile to obtain the collision broadened line widths. Within individual Q-branches the broadening coefficients decreased monotonically with increasing J and for nitrogen broadening varied between 0.19 cm⁻¹ atm⁻¹ at low J and 0.12 cm⁻¹ atm⁻¹ at high J. The corresponding oxygen broadening coefficients were approximately 20% smaller. Self broadening coefficients were also measured for several of the Q-branches and found to be up to ∼4 times higher than the corresponding nitrogen broadening values.     

New combination bands in CCH2 around 0.83 μm recorded using FT-ICLAS

Fourier-transform intracavity laser absorption spectroscopy allowed five ¹²C¹³CH₂ Σ⁺-Σ⁺ bands, all from the ground state, to be identified in the 0.83 μm range. Their rotational analysis was performed and rotational constants are provided. Three of these bands, with origins at 11616.9684(18), 11737.2356(14), and 11761.0322(23) cm⁻¹, have never been reported before. Their upper states are assigned to , respectively.     

6.2 W laser-diode end-pumped continuous-wave Nd:YALO3 laser at 1.34 μm

We report a compact and efficient LD end-pumped linearly polarized Nd:YAP laser operating at 1.34 μm. The laser system with different crystal lengths, output couplers and cavity types were compared. Based on optimizing of the pump system and laser cavity, 6.2 W laser radiation at 1341.4 nm with c-axis polarized was achieved, corresponding to an optical conversion efficiency of about 24.8% with respect to the incident pump power. The laser threshold was only about 1.3 W and the optical slope efficiency was up to 27.2%.     

New line intensity measurements for C2H2 around 7.7 μm and HITRAN format line list for applications

Absolute intensities of 467 lines are measured in 9 bands of the 7.7 μm spectral region of the ¹²C₂H₂ molecule, with an average accuracy of 5%. For each band, the vibrational transition dipole moment squared and Herman-Wallis coefficients are obtained in order to model the rotational dependence of the transition dipole moment squared. These results are used to calculate a line list for atmospheric or astrophysical applications. Merged in the line list set up in a previous work for the 8 strongest bands around 7.7 μm [5], these new data give now a quasi-exhaustive view of the ¹²C₂H₂ spectrum in the involved spectral region.     

Amplification characteristics measurement of 1.55 μm multi-mode LD

The amplification characteristics of 1.55 μm multi-mode LD are presented experimentally. It demonstrates that nine wavelengths across 1547–1557 nm have a good amplification, the maximum gain of ∼43 dB at 1552.14 nm is obtained with pump power of 130 mW @980 nm, and noise figure of ∼5.6 dB at 1554.3 nm is achieved.     

Spectral beam combining of 2 μm Tm fiber laser systems

Output beams from three independently frequency-stabilized thulium master-oscillator power-amplifier fiber laser systems were spectrally combined using a plane-ruled metal diffraction grating. Two laser channels were frequency-stabilized with guided mode resonance filters and the third was stabilized using a plane-ruled metal diffraction grating. The systems had output wavelengths between 1984 and 2015 nm, each with a spectral width of 100-450 pm and output powers between 40-120 W. The combined beam had powers up to 49 W and was 32% efficient with respect to the launched pump power.     

Graphene-based passively Q-switched 2 μm thulium-doped fiber laser

We demonstrated stable pulses generation at 2 μm in a passively Q-switched thulium-doped fiber laser using a few layer graphene thin film. The maximum output power was 4.5 mW and the single pulse energy was 85 nJ at 53 kHz repetition rate, and the pulse width was about 1.4 μs. The pulse width and the repetition rate of the Q-switched fiber laser can be changed along with the pump power. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of graphene saturable absorber for passively Q-switched 2 μm fiber lasers.     

Temperature-dependent absorptance of painted aluminum, stainless steel 304, and titanium for 1.07 μm and 10.6 μm laser beams

We measured the temperature-dependent absorptance of metals (Al, Ti, SS304) for continuous beams from 1.07 μm fiber laser and 10.6 μm CO₂ laser using power sensors and infrared (IR) pyrometers. The absorptance measurements were repeated for metals with three different paint coatings. For measurements at elevated temperatures up to the melting point, integrating sphere is not practical since high temperature radiation from a heated target disturbs weak output from the sphere considerably. Our results provide how each metal, whether coated or uncoated, absorbs the infrared beams as temperature is elevated to a melting point. A polynomial approximation to the measured absorptance of each target is provided for modeling of the laser-metal interaction at elevated temperatures.     

Interaction of H2S with α-Fe2O3(0 0 0 1) surface

The atomic-scale structural changes in an α-Fe₂O₃ (hematite) (0 0 0 1) surface induced by sulfidation and subsequent oxidation processes were studied by X-ray photoemission spectroscopy, LEED, and X-ray standing wave (XSW) measurements. Annealing the α-Fe₂O₃(0 0 0 1) with a H₂S partial pressure of 1 × 10⁻⁷ Torr produced iron sulfides on the surface as the sulfur atoms reacted with the substrate Fe ions. The oxidation state of the substrate Fe changed from 3+ to 2+ as a result of the sulfidation. The XSW measured distance of the sulfur atomic-layer from the unrelaxed substrate oxygen layer was 3.16 Å. The sulfide phase consisted of three surface domains identified by LEED. Formation of the two-dimensional FeS₂ phase with structural parameters consistent with an outermost layer of (1 1 1) pyrite has been proposed. Atomic oxygen exposure oxidized the surface sulfide to a sulfate () and regenerated the α-Fe₂O₃(0 0 0 1) substrate, which was indicated by a (1 × 1) LEED pattern and the re-oxidization of Fe to 3+.     

Tunable diode laser study of the ν3 band of oxirane

We have measured and fitted over 600 well-resolved lines in the ν₃ ring breathing band of oxirane. The spectrum is accurately reproduced by previously determined rotational and centrifugal distortion constants for the ground state, together with newly determined rotational, quartic and some sextic distortion constants for the upper state. The magnitudes of the distortion constants reveal some evidence of Coriolis interactions with nearby states. The band centre was determined as .     

Tunable laser spectroscopy of CO2 near 2.05 μm: Atmospheric retrieval biases due to neglecting line-mixing

Inclusion of line-mixing into spectroscopic models is required for precise and accurate dry-mole-fraction column CO₂ retrievals from a satellite instrument. We measure first-order line-mixing parameters of thirteen ¹²CO₂ 20⁰1₃←00⁰0 CO₂ transitions near 2.05 μm using tunable laser spectroscopy. We also report line position measurements of twelve ¹³CO₂ and ¹⁸OCO transitions in this spectral region. By incorporating line-mixing into a simple atmospheric model, we show how biases in CO₂ retrievals can be generated if line-mixing is ignored.     

New CW-CRDS measurements and global modeling of CO2 absolute line intensities in the 1.6 μm region

Line intensities of ¹²C¹⁶O₂ transitions have been measured by CW-Cavity Ring Down Spectroscopy in four wavenumber intervals near 1.6 μm. Intensity values of 952 transitions ranging from 1.10 × 10⁻²⁸ to 4.94 × 10⁻²⁵ cm/molecule were retrieved with an average accuracy of 4%. These transitions belong to a total of 30 bands corresponding to the ΔP = 9 series of transitions. The achieved sensitivity (noise equivalent absorption α_min ∼ 3 × 10⁻¹⁰ cm⁻¹) allows lowering by more than two orders of magnitude the lower intensity values measured in the region. Comparison with the values included in the JPL database [R.A. Toth, L.R. Brown, C.E. Miller, V. Malathi Devi, D.C. Benner, J. Quant. Spectrosc. Radiat. Transf. 109 (2008) 906-921] shows residuals exceeding one order of magnitude for weak lines. The measured intensities together with a selection of experimental intensities available in the literature were used to extend and refine the set of effective dipole moment parameters for the ΔP = 9 series of transitions of the principal isotopologue of carbon dioxide. The refined parameters allow reproducing, within the experimental uncertainties, the whole set of intensity measurements which extends over nearly six orders of magnitude (1.10 × 10⁻²⁸-6.12 × 10⁻²³ cm/molecule). Combining the CW-CRDS line positions with the calculated line intensities, a line list has been generated for the whole 5851-7045 cm⁻¹ region and is provided as Supplementary Material. The obtained effective dipole moment parameters have also been used to generate the ΔP = 9 series of transitions included in the new version of the CDSD database. The comparison of the CDSD line intensities with the values provided by the HITRAN-2004 database shows discrepancies up to 80% for some of the bands while discrepancies up to three orders of magnitude are noted for the weakest bands included in the JPL database.     

Continuous-tunable 4.144-4.851 μm twin-MgO:PPLN cascaded optical parametric generator pumped by a 1.342 μm Nd:GdVO4 laser

An all-solid-state mid-infrared optical parametric generator with wide tunability by using multi-grating periodically poled 5 mol.-% MgO-doped lithium niobate (MgO:PPLN) is reported. The pump source is a diode-pumped Q-switched Nd:GdVO₄ laser operated at 1.342 μm with pulse width of 150 ns and repetition rate of 50 kHz. To extend the interaction length, two identical multi-grating MgO:PPLN crystals have been cascaded in the OPG system. When the incident pump average power is 10 W, the obtained maximum idler output power is 340 mW at 4.144 μm. Compared with only using one multi-grating MgO:PPLN crystal, the obtained idler output power increases by 20.1%. 4.144-4.851 μm continuous-tunable idler output is obtained with six grating periods from 29 to 31.5 μm and temperature from 40 to 200 °C. To our knowledge, this is the first time to use 1.342 μm laser as the pump source of OPG.     

The overtone spectrum of C2D2 and C2H2 by ICLAS-VECSEL near 1 μm

The intracavity laser absorption spectra (ICLAS) of dideuteroacetylene, C₂D₂, and acetylene, C₂H₂, have been recorded between 1.03 and 0.99 μm with a vertical external cavity surface emitting laser (VECSEL) leading to the observation of seven and six bands, for C₂D₂ and C₂H₂ respectively, most of them newly reported. The strong ν₁+3ν₃ band of C₂D₂ at is found accompanied by the two Π-Π hot bands with v₄=1 and v₅=1 lower state and by the ν₂+3ν₃+2ν₄ band near . This last band results from an intensity transfer from the ν₁+3ν₃ band induced by the 1/244 anharmonic interaction. The ν₁+3ν₃ band of , present in natural abundance in the sample, could also be detected at in full agreement with local mode model predictions. The different bands of both C₂H₂ and C₂D₂ were found mostly unperturbed and the spectroscopic parameters retrieved from the rovibrational analyses agree satisfactorily with the predictions of the respective effective Hamiltonian models.     

Characterization of YSr2Fe3O8 − δ as electrode materials for SOFC

YSr₂Fe₃O_8 − δ was prepared by traditional solid state reaction method and characterized by X-ray diffraction, ac impedance, dc conductivity, dilatometry and thermogravimetric analysis for possible use in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). YSr₂Fe₃O_8 − δ crystallizes with tetragonal symmetry in the space group P4/mmm and found to be stable at high temperatures under H₂ and air. Four probe dc electrical conductivity measurements show that the conductivity increases up to 745 K and then decreases with temperature; the highest conductivity σ_745K = 43.5 S cm^− 1. The n-type conductivity at low oxygen partial pressure (pO₂) changes to p-type at high pO₂. Polarization behavior was investigated measuring the ac impedance response in symmetrical cell arrangements in air with YSZ and GDC electrolytes. Cathodic area specific resistance (ASR) varies with firing temperature. The lowest area specific resistance was observed with a GDC electrolyte fired at 1000 °C. In case of YSZ, ASR increases and in case of GDC, ASR decreases in air when electrode firing temperature decreases. At 800 °C ASRs are 0.20 Ω cm² and 0.65 Ω cm² with GDC and YSZ electrolytes, respectively, in air. Fuel cell measurements with symmetrical electrodes were performed using a thin YSZ electrolyte under H₂ at anode and air at cathode, show that the power density is about 0.035 W/cm² at 900 °C.     

Structural and photoluminescence properties of SnO2:Ga films deposited on α-Al2O3 (0 0 0 1) by MOCVD

Gallium-doped tin oxide (SnO₂:Ga) films have been prepared on α-Al₂O₃ (0 0 0 1) substrates at 500 °C by the pulse mode metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) method. The relative amount of Ga (Ga/(Ga+Sn) atomic ratio) varied from 3% to 15%. Post-deposition annealing of the films was carried out at different temperatures for 1.5 h in ambient atmosphere . The structural, electrical, optical and photoluminescence (PL) properties of the films have been investigated as a function of annealing temperature. All the films have the rutile structure of pure SnO₂ with a strong (2 0 0) preferred orientation. A single ultraviolet (UV) PL peak near 337.83 nm was observed at room temperature for the 3% Ga-doped as-grown film and near 336 nm for the 15%-doped film, which can be ascribed to electron transition from the oxygen vacancy and interstitial Ga³⁺ donor levels to the acceptor level formed by the substitution of Ga³⁺ for the Sn site. After annealing, the luminescence spectra have changed a little bit, which is being discussed in detail.     

26.3-W continuous-wave, diode-double-end-pumped all-solid-state Nd:GdVO4 laser operating at 1.34 μm

A high-power continuous-wave (CW) all-solid-state Nd:GdVO₄ laser operating at 1.34 μm is reported here. The laser consists of a low doped level Nd:GdVO₄ crystal double-end-pumped by two high-power fiber-coupled diode lasers and a simple plane-parallel cavity. At an incident pump power of 88.8 W, a maximum CW output of 26.3 W at 1.34 μm is obtained with a slope efficiency of 33.7%. To the best of our knowledge, this is the highest output at 1.34 μm ever generated by diode-end-pumped all-solid-state lasers.     

Experimental low energy values of CH4 transitions near 1.33 μm by absorption spectroscopy at 81 K

The high resolution absorption spectrum of methane has been recorded at liquid nitrogen temperature by direct absorption spectroscopy between 1.36 and 1.30 μm (7351-7655 cm⁻¹) using a cryogenic cell and a series of distributed feed back (DFB) diode lasers. The investigated spectral range corresponds to the high energy part of the icosad dominated by the ν₂+2ν₃ band near 7510 cm⁻¹. The positions and strengths at 81 K of 3473 transitions were obtained from the spectrum analysis. The minimum value of the measured line intensities (at 81 K) is on the order of 10⁻²⁶ cm/molecule, i.e. significantly lower than the intensity cut off of the HITRAN database in the region (4×10⁻²⁵ cm/molecule at 296 K). From the variation of the line strength between 81 and 296 K, the low energy values of 1273 transitions could be determined. They represent 69% and 81% of the absorbance in the region at 296 and 81 K, respectively. The obtained results are discussed in relation with the few rovibrational assignments previously reported in the region.