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High sensitivity detection of trace gases at atmospheric pressure using tunable diode lasers

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Abstract

A detailed study of the detection of trace gases at atmospheric pressure using tunable diode lasers is described. The influence of multipass cells, retroreflectors and topographical targets is examined. The minimum detectable infrared absorption ranges from 0.1% for a pathlength of 1.2 km to 0.01% over short pathlengths. The factors which limit this sensitivity are discussed, and the techniques are illustrated by monitoring atmospheric CO2 and CH4.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Engineering Physics, McMaster University, L8S 4M1, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

    J. Reid & R. L. Sinclair

  2. Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, 4800 Oak Grove Drive, 91109, Pasadena, CA, USA

    W. B. Grant & R. T. Menzies

Authors
  1. J. Reid
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  2. R. L. Sinclair
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  3. W. B. Grant
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  4. R. T. Menzies
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Reid, J., Sinclair, R.L., Grant, W.B. et al. High sensitivity detection of trace gases at atmospheric pressure using tunable diode lasers. Opt Quant Electron 17, 31–39 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00619991

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