Signal-to-noise ratio in chirped laser dispersion spectroscopy

Michal Nikodem, Damien Weidmann, Clinton Smith, Gerard Wysocki

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

28 Scopus citations

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 languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)644-653
Number of pages10
JournalOptics Express
Volume20
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2 2012

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics

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