Fiber Laser: Detection of Trace Gases.

Fiber lasers are established as robust and reliable devices. They have applications in industry and medicine due to their unique characteristics such as an all-fiber design, compact size, cost-effective production and operation. A fiber laser emitting multi-longitudinal-mode, single-wavelength output in the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum is attractive for applications in sensing, spectroscopy and nonlinear optics.

Detection of trace-gas is a rapidly growing field. It has applications in environmental monitoring, and homeland security. Several methods and devices are commercially available for the identification and quantification of trace gases. The author has developed a new technique, based on a CW (continuous wave) fiber laser, for the detection of trace gases (e.g., nitrous oxide). In the talk, the author will present the details of the gas detection system and its unique features.

Acknowledgement: Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI), Ontario Center of Excellence (OCE) and Agrium Inc.