Far-Infrared Laser Emissions of Optically Pumped Methanol Isotopologues

Presenter Information

Michael Smith
Clarissa Gerke
Jose Barajas

Document Type

Oral Presentation

Campus where you would like to present

SURC 140

Start Date

21-5-2015

End Date

21-5-2015

Keywords

Far-Infrared, Optically Pumped Molecular Laser, Heterodyne Frequency Measurement

Abstract

Historically, a rigorous study of the far-infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum has been difficult due to a lack of sensitive detectors and powerful sources in this region. However, technological advances in the past several decades, such as the optically pumped molecular laser, have provided invaluable tools which allow us to better explore the far-infrared region informally defined for wavelengths between 0.025 mm and 2 mm. Studies of the far-infrared region using the optically pumped molecular laser could prove invaluable for many areas of science. For instance, these lasers can be used in high resolution spectroscopic investigations whereby researchers study the fundamental interaction between light and matter. At Central Washington University, this past summer, an optically pumped molecular laser system was used to generate laser radiation in the far-infrared region. Using heterodyne, or frequency mixing techniques, the frequencies of more than 80 far-infrared laser emissions have been measured using methanol isotopologues as a lasing medium. This presentation will focus on providing an overview of the experimental system along with the methodology used for measuring far-infrared laser frequencies. Several examples of frequencies measured for the CD3OH, CH3OD, and CHD2OH methanol isotopologues will also be provided.

Faculty Mentor(s)

Michael Jackson

Department/Program

Physics

Additional Mentoring Department

Physics

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May 21st, 11:40 AM May 21st, 12:00 PM

Far-Infrared Laser Emissions of Optically Pumped Methanol Isotopologues

SURC 140

Historically, a rigorous study of the far-infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum has been difficult due to a lack of sensitive detectors and powerful sources in this region. However, technological advances in the past several decades, such as the optically pumped molecular laser, have provided invaluable tools which allow us to better explore the far-infrared region informally defined for wavelengths between 0.025 mm and 2 mm. Studies of the far-infrared region using the optically pumped molecular laser could prove invaluable for many areas of science. For instance, these lasers can be used in high resolution spectroscopic investigations whereby researchers study the fundamental interaction between light and matter. At Central Washington University, this past summer, an optically pumped molecular laser system was used to generate laser radiation in the far-infrared region. Using heterodyne, or frequency mixing techniques, the frequencies of more than 80 far-infrared laser emissions have been measured using methanol isotopologues as a lasing medium. This presentation will focus on providing an overview of the experimental system along with the methodology used for measuring far-infrared laser frequencies. Several examples of frequencies measured for the CD3OH, CH3OD, and CHD2OH methanol isotopologues will also be provided.