Laser for remote sensing of greenhouse gases

Purpose and goal:

The purpose and goal was to develop a laser source that can measure the concentration of CO2 by being able to easily vary the emitted light between two different wavelengths. The project succeeded in producing such a light source. Expected results and effects:

A prototype that emits at 2051.5 nm or 2051.79 nm, with high and low carbon dioxide absorption respectively, was built. The emitted wavelength was chosen by changing the polarization of the pump laser. The system was tested in a lab environment by measuring the concentration of carbon dioxide in a transparent gas container.

The system shows that the principle works well. Approach and implementation: In order to follow the project plan, there were weekly meetings between both parties during most of the project.

The project plan was followed well. An extra step was introduced where a deeper analysis of the concept was carried out at a 2715 nm. At this wavelength, carbon dioxide could also be measured without a gas container due to the higher absorption at this wavelength. This deeper analysis then resulted in a publication in the journal Optics Letters.