Far-Infrared Laser Emissions of Optically Pumped Methanol Isotopologues
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.
Recommended Citation
Smith, Michael; Gerke, Clarissa; and Barajas, Jose, "Far-Infrared Laser Emissions of Optically Pumped Methanol Isotopologues" (2015). Symposium Of University Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). 35.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/2015/oralpresentations/35
Department/Program
Physics
Additional Mentoring Department
Physics
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.
Faculty Mentor(s)
Michael Jackson