A high-finesse broadband optical cavity using calcium fluoride prism retroreflectors

Ultrashort-pulsed optical parametric oscillator employing Brewster angle prism retroreflectors

We demonstrate a synchronously-pumped optical parametric oscillator (OPO) cavity in which traditional dielectric mirrors are replaced by all-planar Brewster angle prism retroreflectors, also known as Pellin-Broca prisms. Exploiting total internal reflection, these prisms form a cavity supporting >350-fs chirped signal pulses that were externally compressible to sub-150-fs durations. This simple architecture produces wavelengths tuneable across 1100 - 1350 nm, suitable for basic multi-photon applications.

Bow-Tie Cavity for Terahertz Radiation

We report on the development, testing, and performance analysis of a bow-tie resonant cavity for terahertz (THz) radiation, injected with a continuous-wave 2.55 THz quantum cascade laser. The bow-tie cavity employs a wire-grid polarizer as input/output coupler and a pair of copper spherical mirrors coated with an unprotected 500 nm thick gold layer. The improvements with respect to previous setups have led to a measured finesse value F = 123, and a quality factor Q = 5.1·105. The resonator performances and the relevant parameters are theoretically predicted and discussed, and a comparison among simulated and experimental spectra is given.

Review of Incoherent Broadband Cavity-Enhanced Absorption Spectroscopy (IBBCEAS) for Gas Sensing

Incoherent broadband cavity-enhanced absorption spectroscopy (IBBCEAS) is of importance for gas detection in environmental monitoring. This review summarizes the unique properties, development and recent progress of the IBBCEAS technique. Principle of IBBCEAS for gas sensing is described, and the development of IBBCEAS from the perspective of system structure is elaborated, including light source, cavity and detection scheme. Performances of the reported IBBCEAS sensor system in laboratory and field measurements are reported. Potential applications of this technique are discussed.

Gas-phase broadband spectroscopy using active sources: progress, status, and applications

Broadband spectroscopy is an invaluable tool for measuring multiple gas-phase species simultaneously. In this work we review basic techniques, implementations, and current applications for broadband spectroscopy. We discuss components of broad-band spectroscopy including light sources, absorption cells, and detection methods and then discuss specific combinations of these components in commonly-used techniques. We finish this review by discussing potential future advances in techniques and applications of broad-band spectroscopy.