High frequency wavelength modulation spectroscopy with diode lasers

High frequency wavelength modulation spectroscopy with diode lasers is accomplished by dithering the drive current at RF frequencies as high as 250 MHz. This technique is useful for fast and sensitive detection of absorption lines in the near-and mid-infrared spectral regions. Detection of 300 MHz wide spectral features corresponding to 1% changes in transmission is accomplished in time intervals as short as 500 ns. A potential application is for fast reading of information contained in frequency domain optical memories based upon photochemical hole burning.     

Measurement of time dependent optical gain using frequency modulation spectroscopy

Frequency modulation (FM) spectroscopy is demonstrated to be an attractive tool for gain analysis. It offers the three major features: a) potential high sensitivity in absolute gain measurement, b) high spectral resolution allowing the determination of the spectral gain profile, c) high temporal resolution capable of monitoring gain in short-pulsed systems. As an example, results of a gain analysis of the 6328 å line in a He-Ne discharge are presented.     

A novel bicyclic ketal fragmentation reaction

Bicyclic ketals of the 6,8-dioxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane series are specifically cleaved to give δ, ε-unsaturated ketones by treatment of the ketal with acetyl iodide.