Trace complex-molecule detection using near-IR diode lasers

Abstract.

The goal of the present paper was to develop an experimental technique to detect trace concentrations of complex molecules in the atmosphere using near-IR diode lasers. Ethanol and propane were chosen as model species. New optical, hardware, instrument-operation-mode and data-processing approaches for detection of trace complex molecules were developed. Different physical processes limiting the sensitivity of trace molecule detection were considered and solutions were developed to reduce the influence of these mechanisms on instrument operation. An absorption sensitivity of α_min=2.5×10^-5 for 4.5 ms measurement time was achieved, which is comparable with the sensitivity of “small” molecule detection. The first results utilizing this technique for in-field monitoring of trace complex molecules are presented.