Electro-optic modulator for remote sensing in mid-infrared ozone detection

Abstract

Under the program sponsored by NSF- Atmospheric Science division, a heterodyne spectrometer for remote sensing of vertical stratospheric ozone is being developed. In the 10 /spl mu/m region, a microwave-sideband CO/sub 2/ laser spectrometer has been used to find absorption spectra of NH/sub 3/, a resolution of .0002 cm/sup -1/ has been successfully demonstrated on selected transitions. In addition, tunability and performance of the modulator has been reported. The modulator can be tuned from 8-18 GHz with minimum input power of 18 watts.