Abstract

We describe a mid-infrared spectrometer that is based on the combination of a multiple-pass absorption cell and a submicrosecond pulsed quantum-cascade laser. The spectrometer is capable of both making sensitive measurements and providing a real-time display of the spectral fingerprint of molecular vapors. For a cell with a path length of 9.6 m, dilution measurements made of the ${\nu }_9$ band transitions of 1,1-difluoroethylene indicate a sensitivity of 500 parts in ${10}^9$, corresponding to a fractional absorbance of $4\times {10}^{-4}$.

© 2003 Optical Society of America

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