Development of an interference-filter-type external-cavity diode laser for resonance ionization spectroscopy of strontium.

A frequency tunable external-cavity diode laser (ECDL) using a narrow bandwidth (∼0.3 nm) interference filter has been developed for resonance ionization spectroscopy of strontium (Sr) with high isotopic selectivity. Improved wavelength and single mode stabilities of this interference-filter-type ECDL (IF-ECDL) over a commonly used (also home-made) Littrow-type ECDL were theoretically expected and experimentally confirmed by both a wavelength meter and a home-made Fabry-Perot interferometer.

Enhancement of LIBS emission using antenna-coupled microwave.

Intensified microwave coupled by a loop antenna (diameter of 3 mm) has been employed to enhance the laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) emission. In this method, a laser plasma was induced on Gd₂O₃ sample at a reduced pressure by focusing a pulsed Nd:YAG laser (532 nm, 10 ns, 5 mJ) at a local point, at which electromagnetic field was produced by introducing microwave radiation using loop antenna. The plasma emission was significantly enhanced by absorbing the microwave radiation, resulting in high-temperature plasma and long-lifetime plasma emission.