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Signal-to-noise ratio in chirped laser dispersion spectroscopy
Michal Nikodem1, Damien Weidmann, Clinton Smith
1Electrical Engineering Department, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA.
Abstract:
Quantitative studies and experimental validation of noise sources occurring in chirped laser dispersion spectroscopy (CLaDS) are reported. Their impact on the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) achievable with the CLaDS sensing method is analyzed through a noise model supported by experimental results. In particular the model shows that the SNR is optimal for a given value of the laser chirp rate. The experimental studies are conducted with a quantum cascade laser operating at 5.2 µm for the detection of nitric oxide. Optical fringing has been found to be a significant non-random source of noise and an effective reduction method that can improve the SNR is also discussed.
