Sensitivity-Enhanced Fourier Transform Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy Using a Supercontinuum Laser Source.

Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometers have been the dominant technology in the field of mid-infrared (mid-IR) spectroscopy for decades. Supercontinuum laser sources operating in the mid-IR spectral region now offer the potential to enrich the field of FT-IR spectroscopy due to their distinctive properties, such as high-brightness, broadband spectral coverage and enhanced stability. In our contribution, we introduce this advanced light source as a replacement for conventional thermal emitters.

Sub-second quantum cascade laser based infrared spectroscopic ellipsometry.

Laser-based infrared spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) is demonstrated for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, by applying a tunable quantum cascade laser (QCL) as a mid-infrared light source. The fast tunability of the employed QCL, combined with phase-modulated polarization, enabled the acquisition of broadband (9001204  ), high-resolution (1  ) ellipsometry spectra in less than 1 second. A comparison to a conventional Fourier-transform spectrometer-based IR ellipsometer resulted in an improved signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) by a factor of at least 290.

Broadband near-infrared hyperspectral single pixel imaging for chemical characterization.

We introduce a compressive sensing based approach for single pixel hyperspectral chemical imaging in a broad spectral range in the near-infrared. Fully integrated MEMS based Fabry-Pérot tunable filter spectrometers and a digital micro-mirror device were employed to achieve spectral and spatial resolution, respectively. The available spectral range from 1500 to 2200 nm covers molecular overtone vibrations enabling chemical identification.

Mid-infrared Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography with a pyroelectric linear array.

Optical technology in the mid-infrared wavelength range is currently a rapidly developing field initiated by the availability of novel high-power and spatially coherent sources. Non-destructive testing techniques based on these sources are very promising for industrial and medical applications. However, there are still many engineering problems due to the technical challenges and high prices of the optical elements suitable for the mid-infrared region.

Diffraction limited mid-infrared reflectance microspectroscopy with a supercontinuum laser.

Chemical mapping was demonstrated with a mid-infrared (MIR) microspectroscopy setup based on a supercontinuum source (SC) emitting in the spectral range from 1.55 to 4.5 µm and a MEMS-based Fabry-Pérot filter spectrometer.

Enhanced mid-infrared multi-bounce ATR spectroscopy for online detection of hydrogen peroxide using a supercontinuum laser.

A compact multi-bounce attenuated total reflection (ATR) probe combined with a Fabry-Pérot filter spectrometer (FPFS) has been developed for detection of hydrogen peroxide used for oxidative gas scrubbing operating in the mid-infrared (MIR) spectral region. A novel MIR supercontinuum light source is employed to enhance the quantification capabilities of the sensor and is compared to a classical thermal emitter. An improvement of a factor of 4 in noise and approximately a factor of 3 in limit of detection is shown in this study allowing fast inline detection of aqueous hydrogen peroxide solutions around 0.

Mid-Infrared Standoff Spectroscopy Using a Supercontinuum Laser with Compact Fabry-Pérot Filter Spectrometers.

Mid-infrared (MIR) supercontinuum (SC) lasers are an attractive new option in the field of IR spectroscopy, especially for standoff detection. Supercontinuum radiation unites high brightness, high spatial coherence, and broadband spectral coverage, thereby surpassing thermal IR sources and challenging quantum cascade lasers. The employed SC source operates in the spectral region of 1.