Laser-driven Light Source Research Articles

Primary realization of spectral responsivity in the near infrared using a laser-driven light source

Abstract The National Research Council (NRC) Canada has realized the spectral responsivity scale from 900 nm to 1600 nm using a Xe-based laser driven light source, double subtractive monochromator system, and an absolute cryogenic radiometer. An NRC-designed InGaAs sphere transfer standard radiometer was calibrated with combined relative standard uncertainties below 0.135 % (k=1). The scale realization was also performed with a 100 W tungsten lamp, as previously done at NRC. Calibration results and uncertainties in spectral responsivity measurements with each broadband light source are compared and presented.

Novel multi-function setup comprising ultra-bright uniform source for spectral and radiometric calibrations of digital imaging sensors and multiple spectrometric applications

Abstract A new setup is being developed for calibrating CCD/CMOS sensors and cameras, and measuring spectrophotometric quantities in both point-wise and imaging modes. The setup includes a laser-driven light source (LDLS), double-grating monochromator, and an integrating sphere with specific design for two-dimensional (2D) spectrophotometric measurements of complex samples and spectral responsivity calibration of digital imaging sensors and cameras in the visible to near infrared (VIS-NIR) region. The setup can cover a spectral range from 250 nm to 2000 nm with relatively high radiance. The study presents optimization and validation work in the visible through NIR spectral range, up to 1000 nm. Preliminary experiments suggest improved accuracy and lower uncertainties for better metrological performance and sophisticated applications. The developed instrument promises a variety of novel applications while suppressing systematic errors and inaccuracies. The presented measurements results include the validation of 2D spectral reflectance/transmittance measurements in the 360-1000 nm spectral region using selected homogenous standards. Additionally provided are the findings of demonstration measurements for 2D spectral transmittance and the CCD camera’s spectral responsivity within the same spectral range.

Quantification of UV Light-Induced Spectral Response Degradation of CMOS-Based Photodetectors.

High-energy radiation is known to potentially impact the optical performance of silicon-based sensors adversely. Nevertheless, a proper characterization and quantification of possible spectral response degradation effects due to UV stress is technically challenging. On one hand, typical illumination methods via UV lamps provide a poorly defined energy spectrum. On the other hand, a standardized measurement methodology is also missing. This work provides an approach where well-defined energy spectrum UV stress conditions are guaranteed via a customized optical set up, including a laser driven light source, a monochromator, and a non-solarizing optical fiber. The test methodology proposed here allows performing a controlled UV stress between 200 nm and 400 nm with well-defined energy conditions and offers a quantitative overview of the impact on the optical performance in CMOS-based photodiodes, along a wavelength range from 200 to 1100 nm and 1 nm step. This is of great importance for the characterization and development of new sensors with a high and stable UV spectral response, as well as for implementation of practical applications such as UV light sensing and UV-based sterilization.

High-sensitivity electronic Stark spectrometer featuring a laser-driven light source.

We report developmental details of a high-sensitivity Stark absorption spectrometer featuring a laser-driven light source. The light source exhibits intensity fluctuations of ∼0.3% over timescales ranging from 1minto 12h, minimal drift (≤0.1%/h), and very little 1/f noise at frequencies greater than 200Hz, which are comparable to or better than an arc-driven light source. Additional features of the spectrometer include balanced detection with multiplex sampling, which yielded lower noise in A, and constant wavelength or wavenumber (energy) spectral bandpass modes. We achieve noise amplitudes of ∼7 × 10-4 and ∼6 × 10-6 in measurements of single A and ΔA spectra (with 92 data points) taking ∼7 and ∼19min, respectively.

Ozone Detection via Deep-Ultraviolet Cavity-Enhanced Absorption Spectroscopy with a Laser Driven Light Source.

We present a novel sensing approach for ambient ozone detection based on deep-ultraviolet (DUV) cavity-enhanced absorption spectroscopy (CEAS) using a laser driven light source (LDLS). The LDLS has broadband spectral output which, with filtering, provides illumination between ~230-280 nm. The lamp light is coupled to an optical cavity formed from a pair of high-reflectivity (R~0.99) mirrors to yield an effective path length of ~58 m. The CEAS signal is detected with a UV spectrometer at the cavity output and spectra are fitted to yield the ozone concentration. We find a good sensor accuracy of <~2% error and sensor precision of ~0.3 ppb (for measurement times of ~5 s). The small-volume (<~0.1 L) optical cavity is amenable to a fast response with a sensor (10-90%) response time of ~0.5 s. Demonstrative sampling of outdoor air is also shown with favorable agreement against a reference analyzer. The DUV-CEAS sensor compares favorably against other ozone detection instruments and may be particularly useful for ground-level sampling including that from mobile platforms. The sensor development work presented here can also inform of the possibilities of DUV-CEAS with LDLSs for the detection of other ambient species including volatile organic compounds.

Broadband Near-Field Near-Infrared Spectroscopy and Imaging with a Laser-Driven Light Source

The scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscope (s-SNOM) has become a powerful imaging and nano-spectroscopy tool, which is widely used in the characterization of electronic and photonic devices, two-dimensional materials and biomolecules. However, in the published literature, nano-spectroscopy is mainly employed in the mid-infrared band, and the near-infrared (NIR) nano-spectroscopy with broadband spectral range has not been well discussed. In the present paper, we introduce a home-built near-field NIR spectroscopy and imaging set-up that is based on a laser-driven light source (LDLS). By mapping the Ge-Au periodic grating sample and the photonic topology device, a ~30 nm spatial resolution and the excellent capability of characterizing complex samples are demonstrated. Spectra obtained by experiment reveal the optical band-gap of Ge with a spectral resolution of 25 cm−1, and a spectral range from 900 to 2000 nm. This technology is expected to provide a novel and unique approach for near-field NIR spectroscopy and imaging.

Photon counting of extreme ultraviolet high harmonics using a superconducting nanowire single-photon detector

Laser-driven light sources in the extreme ultraviolet range (EUV) enable nanoscopic imaging with unique label-free elemental contrast. However, to fully exploit the unique properties of these new sources, novel detection schemes need to be developed. Here, we show in a proof-of-concept experiment that superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPD) can be utilized to enable photon counting of a laser-driven EUV source based on high harmonic generation (HHG). These detectors are dark-count free and accommodate very high count rates—a perfect match for high repetition rate HHG sources. In addition to the advantages of SNSPDs for classical imaging applications with laser-driven EUV sources, the ability to count single photons paves the way for very promising applications in quantum optics and quantum imaging with high energetic radiation like, e.g., quantum ghost imaging with nanoscale resolution.

New facility for primary calibration of differential spectral responsivity of solar cells using LDLS-based monochromatic source

A newly established setup for primary calibration and characterization of solar cells at NMCC/SASO is presented. This differential spectral responsivity (DSR) measurement instrument uses laser-driven light source (LDLS)-based modulated (AC) source to measure the spectral responsivity of photovoltaic (PV) detectors and solar cells. The setup is intended for measuring the spectral responsivity in the wavelength range from 250 nm to 2000 nm, bias level up to 1.5 kW/m2, with which a measurement uncertainty of 1.06 % (k = 2, in the range of 300 nm to 900 nm) could be achieved. We present validation measurements as well as spectral responsivity and external quantum efficiency (EQE) measurements of reference solar cells to demonstrate the objective of the setup. We present a preliminary evaluation of the associated uncertainty components as well as an uncertainty budget for validation, optimization and standardization of our setup.

Native fluorescence detection with a laser driven light source for protein analysis in capillary electrophoresis

While ultraviolet light (UV) absorbance detection is the most widely used detection mode in capillary electrophoresis (CE), it can yield poor concentration sensitivity and has tendencies to exhibit baseline fluctuations. In order to overcome these challenges, alternative detection strategies, including the use of dedicated wavelength lasers, have been applied, resulting in enhancements of concentration sensitivity as well as decreased baseline disturbance. In this work, using a laser driven light source for excitation, we reported a native fluorescence detection (NFD) scheme for use in a commercial CE platform, PA 800 Plus Pharmaceutical Analysis System, for protein analysis. The CE-NFD system was characterized using tryptophan and a reduced IgG. We compared NFD with UV absorbance detection as applied to sodium dodecyl sulfate-capillary gel electrophoresis (SDS-CGE) and capillary isoelectric focusing (cIEF). In SDS-CGE, with the reported NFD a non-reduced IgG standard sample yielded a signal-to-noise ratio which was 14.6 times higher than with UV absorbance detection at 214 nm. In cIEF analysis of NISTmAb, Humanized IgG1k, with NFD ∼170 times less sample mass was needed to obtain similar profile quality to that with UV absorbance detection at 280 nm. NFD also eliminated baseline anomalies observed with UV absorbance detection and showed less interference by other absorbing species. These results suggest that CE-NFD is a practical and powerful tool for protein characterization in the biopharmaceutical industry.

In situ characterisation of absorbing species in stationary premixed flat flames using UV\u2013Vis absorption spectroscopy

A one-dimensional premixed ethylene–air flame is investigated regarding the presence of various combustion intermediates and products relevant for the formation of carbonaceous particles for various equivalence ratios and spatial positions using in situ UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy. A laser driven light source in combination with a fast spectrometer allow to record absorption spectra at a high rate required for practical combustion devices. The approach is coupled with a least squares regression procedure using a database of several absorbing species in the flame. To account for the high temperature flame conditions, the absorption spectra are convoluted by a simplified Maxwell–Boltzmann distribution model. While the approach is based on several assumptions and a verification requires future detailed intercomparison with other techniques, a first semi-quantitative evaluation can be obtained. This novel approach opens a potential route to the in situ measurement of the evolution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in flames.

Formation of Formaldehyde and Other Byproducts by TiO2 Photocatalyst Materials

Photocatalysts promised to control pollution in an environmentally benign manner, inexpensively, and with a low or cheap energy input. However, the limited chemical activity of photocatalysts has prevented their widespread use. This limitation has two important consequences; in addition to limited removal efficiency for pollution, photocatalysts may also generate unwanted byproducts due to incomplete reaction. This study focuses on the byproducts formed in the photocatalytic degradation of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) on titanium dioxide (TiO2), using a continuous flow reactor and detection via proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry. TiO2, activated carbon (AC), TiO2/AC (1:1) and TiO2/AC (1:5) were tested using either a laser-driven light source or LED lamps at 365 nm. The samples were characterized using a N2-BET surface area and pore size distributions, Scanning Electron Microscopy, X-ray Diffraction, and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, which confirmed that TiO2 was successfully coated on activated carbon without unexpected phases. TiO2 and activated carbon showed different removal mechanisms for DMS. The maximum yield of formaldehyde, 11.4%, was observed for DMS reacting on a TiO2/AC (1:5) composite operating at a DMS removal efficiency of 31.7% at 50 ∘C. In addition to formaldehdye, significant products included acetone and dimethyl disulfide. In all, observed byproducts accounted for over half of the DMS material removed from the airstream. The TiO2/AC (1:5) and TiO2/AC (1:1) composites have a lower removal efficiency than TiO2, but a higher yield of byproducts. Experiments conducted from 20 ∘C to 70 ∘C showed that as temperature increases, the removal efficiency decreases and the production of byproducts increases even more. This is attributed both to decreased surface activity at high temperatures due to increased recombination of reactive species, and to the decreased residence time of volatile compounds on a hot surface. This study shows that potentially dangerous byproducts are formed by photocatalytic reactors because the reaction is incomplete under the conditions generally employed.

Photolytic fractionation of seven singly and doubly substituted nitrous oxide isotopocules measured by quantum cascade laser absorption spectroscopy

There is strong interest in using isotopic analysis to better constrain the budget of atmospheric nitrous oxide (N2O). This interest is supported by emerging instruments that allow analysis of multiply substituted species. We have studied fractionation during UV photolysis of singly and doubly isotopically substituted molecules (isotopocules) of N2O. N2O was photolyzed in an electropolished stainless-steel reactor using a broadband laser-driven light source with bandpass filters. Isotopocule ratios were quantified at different stages of photolysis using a quantum cascade laser absorption spectroscopy (QCLAS) system. Wavelength-dependent fractionation constants were determined using the Rayleigh distillation model. The fractionation constants for photolysis with 200 nm and 214 nm bandpass filters, respectively, for the seven most abundant isotopocules of N2O (after 14N14N16O) are: 14N15N16O (456): (−48.9 ± 7.4) ‰ /(−82.4 ± 22.3) ‰, 15N14N16O (546): (−22.2 ± 5.3) ‰ /(−36.1 ± 19.6) ‰, 14N14N17O (447): (−12.7 ± 4.5) ‰ /(−21.9 ± 15.7) ‰, 14N14N18O (448): (−33.5 ± 12.0) ‰ /(−44.1 ± 29.8) ‰, 14N15N18O (458): (−80.9 ± 6.5) ‰ /(−120.9 ± 23.7) ‰, 15N14N18O (548): (−52.7 ± 10.8) ‰ /(−79.1 ± 28.5) ‰, 15N15N16O (556): (−66.9 ± 9.8) ‰ /(−110.9 ± 27.5) ‰. The fractionation constants determined here for isotopocules 456, 546, 447, 448, and 556 are in agreement with previous theoretical models employed in this study and previous experiments. For 458 and 548, the fractionation constants were determined for the first time, confirming the prediction of more negative fractionation for 15N substitution in the central position. The effect of stratospheric photolysis on the clumped isotope Δ values of tropospheric N2O was found to be modest with Δ458 = (4.0 ± 1.0) ‰, Δ548 = (−4.0 ± 1.0) ‰, and Δ556 = (−1.5 ± 1.0) ‰ at 9% photolysis. Therefore, atmospheric variations of doubly substituted N2O isotopocules will likely be dominated by the characteristics of the N2O sources, which strongly supports their value for source attribution and quantification.

UV absorption cross sections of vaporized 1-methylnaphthalene at elevated temperatures

In this work, the UV absorption cross sections of the fluorescence tracer 1-methylnaphthalene are determined in the range of 230–330 nm. The experiments are performed in a continuously scavenged gas flow cell, which allows for defined homogeneous conditions regarding temperature, pressure, and tracer/fuel composition. A LSDS (laser driven light source) is used for irradiation, which enables high spectral emission intensities in the UV range studied. For detection, a spectrograph in combination with an intensified camera is applied. Absorption cross sections at temperatures up to 850 K are determined and compared to sparsely available published data. Possible uncertainties caused by the optical setup and the flow cell, respectively, are considered.

Calibration Hardware for SNO+

The SNO+ experiment has a varied neutrino physics program that includes a neutrino-less double beta decay experiment in addition to reactor, solar, and geoneutrino measurements. SNO+ uses the architecture of SNO, using an acrylic vessel filled with scintillator as its neutrino target suspended in a water volume. At this time data is being collected with the acrylic vessel filled with water in preparation for the scintillator phase. An essential component to the successful execution of this physics program is a calibration of the optical and energetic response of the detector. Calibrations are underway using a laser-driven light source and radioactive gas sources, such as Nitrogen-16, that are to be lowered into the detector vessel on an umbilical. The position can be manipulated in 1-D using the umbilical retrieval mechanisms (URM) or in 2-D using ropes to guide the source off-axis. The sources and drive systems will be presented here with the goals of the calibration in the context of its impact on the SNO+ physics program.

Recent improvements of long-path DOAS measurements: impact on accuracy and stability of short-term and automated long-term observations

Abstract. Over the last few decades, differential optical absorption spectroscopy (DOAS) has been used as a common technique to simultaneously measure abundances of a variety of atmospheric trace gases. Exploiting the unique differential absorption cross section of trace-gas molecules, mixing ratios can be derived by measuring the optical density along a defined light path and by applying the Beer–Lambert law. Active long-path (LP-DOAS) instruments can detect trace gases along a light path of a few hundred metres up to 20 km, with sensitivities for mixing ratios down to ppbv and pptv levels, depending on the trace-gas species. To achieve high measurement accuracy and low detection limits, it is crucial to reduce instrumental artefacts that lead to systematic structures in the residual spectra of the analysis. Spectral residual structures can be introduced by most components of a LP-DOAS measurement system, namely by the light source, in the transmission of the measurement signal between the system components or at the level of spectrometer and detector. This article focuses on recent improvements by the first application of a new type of light source and consequent changes to the optical setup to improve measurement accuracy. Most state-of-the-art LP-DOAS instruments are based on fibre optics and use xenon arc lamps or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as light sources. Here we present the application of a laser-driven light source (LDLS), which significantly improves the measurement quality compared to conventional light sources. In addition, the lifetime of LDLS is about an order of magnitude higher than of typical Xe arc lamps. The small and very stable plasma discharge spot of the LDLS allows the application of a modified fibre configuration. This enables a better light coupling with higher light throughput, higher transmission homogeneity, and a better suppression of light from disturbing wavelength regions. Furthermore, the mode-mixing properties of the optical fibre are enhanced by an improved mechanical treatment. The combined effects lead to spectral residual structures in the range of 5-10×10-5 root mean square (rms; in units of optical density). This represents a reduction of detection limits of typical trace-gas species by a factor of 3–4 compared to previous setups. High temporal stability and reduced operational complexity of this new setup allow the operation of low-maintenance, automated LP-DOAS systems, as demonstrated here by more than 2 years of continuous observations in Antarctica.

FTS measurements of O2 collision-induced absorption in the 565–700 nm region using a high pressure gas absorption cell

The collision-induced absorption (CIA) spectra of oxygen and dry air have been measured in the near-infrared and visible regions, covering the O2(B) band at 687 nm and double transitions in the 630 nm and 577 nm regions. A custom-design 1 m path length high-pressure cell was developed and configured to a Bruker 125HR Fourier transform spectrometer at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. A super-luminous Laser Driven Light Source (LDLS) was also used to improve the photon flux incident upon the spectrometer. A series of spectra of pure O2 and dry air were obtained at various high pressures up to 131 bars at room temperature. For the measurement of O2–O2 CIA in the B band region, the monomer resonance absorption contribution has been subtracted from the observed spectra by simulating the O2(B) band absorption with a speed-dependent Voigt line shape profile with line mixing effects taken into account. The remaining absorption component was regarded as the CIA in the region. The integrated absorption coefficient was measured to be 3.2(6) × 10−6 cm−2/Amagat2 for the O2(B) band region, which is significantly lower than literature values. For the two double transition bands in the 630 and 577 nm regions, the integrated CIA bands from the present work were measured to be 2.50(14) and 3.26(18) × 10−4 cm−2/Amagat2, respectively. The present measurements are significantly higher than prior measurements for the 630 nm band region, while they are slightly lower than prior measurements for the 577 nm band region. For dry air, the integrated CIA bands were measured to be 0.10(2) and 0.15(2) × 10−4 cm−2/Amagat2, respectively, for the 630 and 577 nm regions, no appreciable contribution from O2–N2 pairs was observed. The results are compiled in electronic supplements.

Evaluation of Drude parameters for liquid Germanium nanoparticles through aerosol-based line-of-sight attenuation measurements

The objective of this study is to infer Drude model parameters for liquid germanium nanoparticles from extinction measurements made across an aerosol within a microwave plasma reactor using a halogen lamp (410–700 nm) and a laser-driven light source (205–585 nm). The plasma frequency and relaxation time are inferred using Rayleigh theory, Mie theory, and a fourth-order Mie approximation. These parameters are compared with those found using the ellipsometry-derived complex dielectric function as well as the bulk density and electrical resistivity of liquid germanium. The analysis is carried out in a probabilistic context using Bayesian inference, which accounts for both the measurement noise and model error. While all the candidate models can reproduce the shape of the experimentally-derived extinction spectra, the Bayesian inference showed that extinction-derived parameters differed from those obtained from the density and electrical resistivity in a statistically-significant way. This highlights the limitations of the free-electron model that underpins Drude theory, and suggests potential opportunities for model refinement.

High speed magneto-optical imaging system to investigate motion characteristics of arc plasma in enclosed chamber.

Arc plasmas are common and important phenomena, which have been widely used in scientific research and industrial fields. It is a non-intrusive way to understand the dynamic characteristics of arc plasma by measuring magnetic field distribution and applying inverse method. Aiming to investigate the motion characteristics of arc plasma, a high-speed magneto-optical imaging system was developed, which mainly consists of a laser-driven light source, achromatic collimator, beam expander, polarized beam splitter, analyzer and high-speed camera. The calibration experiment of the system, which was conducted using a Faraday indicator with a Verdet constant of -96 rad/(T·m)@632.8 nm and Helmholtz coils, shows its magnetic sensitivity reaches 1 mT, spatial resolution is about 500μm, temporal resolution is 100μs as for a circular measuring area of 42 mm in diameter. The arcing experimental results also demonstrate that the developed system can obtain the 2D magnetic field distribution in real time with relatively high spatial and temporal resolution and reasonable magnetic sensitivity. It also provides an effective method to study the motion characteristics of arc plasma inside of an enclosed chamber.

Effect of variable ultraviolet wavelength and intensity on photochemical vapor generation of trace selenium detected by atomic fluorescence spectrometry

Selenium was taken as an example to investigate the effect of variable ultraviolet (UV) wavelength and intensity on its photochemical vapor generation (photo-CVG) process. A broadband laser-driven light source (LDLS) and a UV lamp were utilized as irradiation sources for the photo-CVG of trace selenium which was sensitively detected by atomic fluorescence spectrometry (AFS). Five filters with bandpass at different wavelength (254 nm, 285 nm, 315 nm, 365 nm and 395 nm) were used to filtrate the light from the LDLS and the UV lamp. The signal change of Se(VI) by photo-CVG-AFS was monitored when a TiO2-coated quartz coil was irradiated by variable wavelength and intensity. The experimental results indicated: (1) the efficiency of Se(VI) photo-CVG varied with irradiation wavelength; (2) a synergistic effect existed for the photo-CVG, and the efficiency of the full spectrum was thus better or close to the sum of all wavelengths; and (3) the efficiency of Se(VI) photo-CVG was also affected by the UV intensity.

VUV and X-ray free-electron lasers: The technology and its scientific promise

Currently available, fully coherent (laser) light sources emit radiation only in a limited range of wavelengths in the infrared, visible and near-ultraviolet range, excluding their use in all the measurements needing tunable photons of energy higher than a few eV. Consequentially, the strong scientific need for tunable, coherent radiation sources from the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) to the X-ray in the femtosecond and picosecond time domain has spurred international research efforts to develop a new generation of research facilities. Laser-driven light sources that use non-linear processes to create very high harmonics and the interaction between an ultra-short laser pulse and an electron bunch in a storage ring are both able to produce radiation pulses in the femtosecond time domain and in the soft EUV and X-ray region, but with a relatively low useful photon flux on the sample. In contrast Free-Electron Lasers (FELs) can produce light pulses with peak brilliance as much as ten orders of magnitude higher than the pulses generated in present third-generation synchrotron light sources and with photon energies ranging from the VUV to the hard X-rays, i.e. from about 10eV (120nm) to 10keV (0.12nm). This manuscript reviews the scientific fields that can be opened or extended by the new techniques along with the progress of FEL physics and the supporting accelerator physics and technology.