Molecular spectroscopy laboratory

Laser absorption spectroscopy is a technique that provides the ability to monitor absorption of different molecular species within a gaseous sample. By measuring the absorption of light within the gas, one can identify the molecular species present in the sample. The process is sometimes called molecular fingerprinting since each molecule has its distinct absorption spectrum that enables its clear identification. Moreover, by knowing the relevant absorption cross-sections one can also measure the amount of individual molecular species present in the sample. In addition, if time-resolved absorption spectra can be acquired, one can also observe and study the molecular chemical dynamics. Consequently, laser absorption spectroscopy has found applications in various domains of science and technology including controlling the manufacturing processes, detection of explosives or hazardous materials, human breath analysis for medical diagnostic purposes, and environmental monitoring.

In CALT we will target mid infrared spectral range (3-7 µm), where the strongest absorption lines of the most important molecules can be found. State-of-the-art spectrometer will be developed and used for molecular spectroscopy in various domains of science and applications.