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Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Infrared Degenerate Four-wave Mixing with Upconversion Detection for Quantitative Gas Sensing
Published on: March 22, 2019
Two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy detected by chirped pulse upconversion
Matthew J Nee1, Robert McCanne, Kevin J Kubarych
1Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109, USA.
Chirped-pulse upconversion enables fast, sensitive two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy using silicon detectors. This method provides an alternative to traditional infrared detection for studying molecules like manganese carbonyl.
Area of Science:
- Spectroscopy
- Physical Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Two-dimensional infrared (2D IR) spectroscopy is a powerful technique for analyzing molecular dynamics.
- Direct infrared detection often relies on less sensitive or technologically mature materials like HgCdTe.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and demonstrate a novel method for acquiring 2D IR spectra.
- To leverage the advantages of silicon-based detectors for enhanced sensitivity and speed.
Main Methods:
- Utilized chirped-pulse upconversion (CPU) to convert the nonlinear infrared signal to the visible spectrum.
- Employed a silicon CCD camera for efficient spectral detection.
- Measured the 2D IR spectrum of manganese decacarbonyl (Mn2(CO)10).
Main Results:
- Successfully acquired a rephasing 2D IR spectrum of Mn2(CO)10 in seconds.
- Demonstrated the feasibility of using CPU for 2D IR spectroscopy.
- Showcased the potential of silicon CCD cameras as a superior alternative to HgCdTe detectors.
Conclusions:
- CPU is an effective technique for rapid 2D IR spectral acquisition.
- Silicon-based detection offers significant advantages in sensitivity and technological maturity for IR spectroscopy.
- This method advances the capabilities for studying molecular vibrations and dynamics.
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