Columns | Column: Lasers and Optics Interface

In the study of global warming, obtaining good data demands widely deployed, accurate, and reliable sensors for identifying and understanding the origins, sources, and fates of greenhouse gases. Sensing technologies based on tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy are starting to provide some of this critical data.

The choices for LIBS hardware are discussed in detail, particularly lasers and spectrometers, and the trade-offs between cost, size, and performance are illustrated.

An overview for those considering implementation of LIBS to solve a particular analytical problem, and an introduction for those interested in learning more about LIBS. Part I concentrates on the basics of the measurement and typical implementation.

Here, Martin Zanni explains two dimensional (2D) infrared spectroscopy, the role of lasers, and current applications, such as studying the kinetics of protein aggregation in diabetes.

Mid-infrared quantum cascade lasers, recently developed and commercialized, have unique properties that advance the analytical capabilities of IR spectroscopy in many ways. Bernhard Lendl of Vienna University of Technology in Austria explains these developments.

Although the choice of laser is still highly dependent on the application requirements, there are distinct fundamental effects attributed to the laser pulse duration that drive the ablation sampling process. Here, we explain the differences between nanosecond and femtosecond laser ablation.

A report on first results of the successful application of optically pumped semiconductor lasers in Raman spectroscopy of condensed-phase samples

The theoretical and experimental differences between high-brightness and low-brightness lasers used in a dispersive confocal Raman microscope system are compared.

The basic techniques of fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) are discussed as well as several applications, such as nanoparticle dispersion studies.

A few key steps will protect your samples and help ensure accurate results.

A Q&A with Jose Almirall, PhD, professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the director of the International Forensic Research Institute at Florida International University.

This month's column discusses the various multiphoton spectroscopy techniques and the lasers required for each approach.

This month's installment of "Laser and Optics Interface" describes CCDs and the new CMOS image sensors and cameras for scientific imaging.

Guest columnists Phil Taday and colleagues look at the emerging technique of terahertz spectroscopy and its move from the lab to the process world.

Performance gaps in the industry's earliest miniature spectrometers today have been mitigated by the ongoing improvement of gratings, coatings, mirrors, and other spectrometer bench optical components.

The author discusses the use of filters in optical microscopy and the advantages that have been gained as a result of developments in filter technology.

In this column, Guest Columnist Philip Taday explores the use of terahertz spectroscopy for tablet coating analysis.

The author discusses what the future holds for the field of optics.