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Quantum cascade laser absorption spectroscopy as a plasma diagnostic tool: an overview
Stefan Welzel1, Frank Hempel, Marko Hübner
1INP Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489 Greifswald, Germany. welzel@physik.uni-greifswald.de
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 14, 2011
Summary
New mid-infrared lasers advance chemical sensing in plasmas. This review covers quantum cascade laser challenges and recent spectroscopic results for plasma diagnostics in research and industry.
Area of Science:
- Spectroscopy
- Chemical Sensing
- Plasma Diagnostics
Background:
- Thermoelectrically cooled quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) and inter-band cascade lasers are now available in the mid-infrared.
- These lasers enable advancements in in-situ laser absorption spectroscopy for plasma diagnostics.
Purpose of the Study:
- Summarize challenges of using QCLs in plasma environments.
- Provide an overview of recent spectroscopic results, including cavity-enhanced methods, in various research and industrial plasmas.
Main Methods:
- In-situ laser absorption spectroscopy.
- Cavity-enhanced spectroscopic techniques.
- Application of mid-infrared quantum and inter-band cascade lasers.
Main Results:
- Recent spectroscopic results demonstrate the utility of QCLs in diverse plasma environments.
- Cavity-enhanced methods show promise for improved sensitivity in plasma analysis.
Conclusions:
- Quantum cascade lasers offer powerful tools for advanced plasma diagnostics.
- Continued research and development are expanding the capabilities of laser absorption spectroscopy in plasma analysis.
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