Abstract
Quantitative studies and experimental validation of noise sources occurring in chirped laser dispersion spectroscopy (CLaDS) are reported. Their impact on the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) achievable with the CLaDS sensing method is analyzed through a noise model supported by experimental results. In particular the model shows that the SNR is optimal for a given value of the laser chirp rate. The experimental studies are conducted with a quantum cascade laser operating at 5.2 μm for the detection of nitric oxide. Optical fringing has been found to be a significant non-random source of noise and an effective reduction method that can improve the SNR is also discussed.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 644-653 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Optics Express |
Volume | 20 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 2 2012 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics