Abstract

The design for a new high-pressure-low-temperature infrared (IR) cell for performing experiments using conventional Fourier transform infrared or fast laser-based time-resolved infrared spectroscopy, in a range of solvents, is described. The design builds upon a commercially available compressor and cold end (Polycold PCC^® and CryoTiger^®), which enables almost vibration-free operation, ideal for use with sensitive instrumentation. The design of our cell and cryostat allows for the study of systems at temperatures from 77 to 310 K and at pressures up to 250 bar. The CaF₂ windows pass light from the mid-IR to the ultraviolet (UV), enabling a number of experiments to be performed, such as Raman, UV-visible absorption spectroscopy, and time-resolved techniques where sample excitation/probing using continuous wave or pulsed lasers is required. We demonstrate the capabilities of this cell by detailing two different applications: (i) the reactivity of a range of Group V-VII organometallic alkane complexes using time-resolved spectroscopy on the millisecond timescale and (ii) the gas-to-liquid phase transition of CO₂ at low temperature, which is applicable to measurements associated with transportation issues related to carbon capture and storage.

A Low Temperature Raman Cryostat*

William J. Taylor, A. Lee Smith, and Herrick L. Johnston
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 41(2) 91-93 (1951)

High-information time-resolved Fourier transform spectroscopy at work

Nathalie Picqué and Guy Guelachvili
Appl. Opt. 39(22) 3984-3990 (2000)

Far-infrared high-resolution Fourier transform spectrometer

Bruno Carli, Massimo Carlotti, Francesco Mencaraglia, and Enzo Rossi
Appl. Opt. 26(18) 3818-3822 (1987)

Ultrafast-laser-absorption spectroscopy in the mid-infrared for single-shot, calibration-free temperature and species measurements in low- and high-pressure combustion gases

Ryan J. Tancin and Christopher S. Goldenstein
Opt. Express 29(19) 30140-30154 (2021)

High-Resolution Fourier Transform Spectroscopy in the Far-Infrared

P. L. Richards
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 54(12) 1474-1484 (1964)