Temporal correlation scheme for spectroscopic gas analysis using multimode diode lasers

The reliability of diode lasers used in spectroscopic applications is limited by their intrinsic multimode and mode-jump behavior when wavelength-tuned by current or temperature. We report on a scheme for gas analysis based on temporal correlation between absorption signals from an unknown external and a known reference gas concentration, simultaneously recorded when the diode laser wavelength is temperature-tuned across absorption features of the gas of interest. This procedure, which does not require any knowledge of the exact spectrum, also eliminates light intensity fluctuations due to mode competition. The method is illustrated for atmospheric oxygen absorption applied to diffusion measurements.