An Optical Fiber Resonator for Cavity Ring-down Spectroscopic Detection and Measurement of Trace Species

Princeton University, Princeton NJ

Investigators

Abstract

Professor Kevin Lehmann of Princeton University is supported with an SGER grant from the Analytical and Surface Chemistry Program to develop an optical fiber version of chemical ring down spectroscopy that will allow measurement of trace species in gases and possibly liquids. The method takes advantage of the long pathlength involved in cavity ring down, as well as evanescent properties of the light wave in the fiber. If successful, this sensor could be used to detect chemical and biological species over distances, e.g. using fiber optic cables through buildings or reservoirs. Fiberoptic bundles can be used to multitask the sensing. The use of available communication equipment potentially makes this a viable cost-efficient system. The applications include national security, environmental monitoring, and possibly in vivo medical monitoring.