IR lasers tune in to the environment

Robust tunable infrared laser sources with the required spectral properties and sophisticated instruments both for ground and airborne use address atmospheric science questions and global environmental concerns. In particular, compact airborne laser sensing instruments capable of autonomous operation reflect engineering progress which can be utilized in other applications. To date, lidar and other types of laser remote sensing technologies have found only limited use in the areas of local pollutant measurement and industrial process control. At least three factors are responsible: (1) the relatively high cost of the optical/laser instruments, (2) the lack of suitable tunable laser sources in the important IR spectral regions, and (3) the lack of low-cost spectral database and computational tools. Item (1) depends on market economics. Item (3) has been addressed with new PC-based databases and software tools. To address item (2), the developing technology must produce lasers which are compact, reliable, need minimal amounts of consumables, and have the desired spectral characteristics. The present technology should enable these requirements to be met during the next decade.<>