Sulfur dioxide absorption cross-section measurements from 290 nm to 317 nm.

Accurate measurements of the SO(2) absorption cross section between 290 and 317 nm have been made using a frequency-doubled dye-laser source with a 0.05-nm linewidth. The spectrum is applicable to the differential absorption method of detecting SO(2) and offers greatly extended wavelength coverage compared with previous measurements.

Differential absorption lidar measurements of atmospheric water vapor using an optical parametric oscillator source.

A differential absorption lidar system based on a continuously tunable Nd:YAG pumped optical parametric oscillator source is described which is capable of range-resolved measurements of atmospheric species with absorption bands in the 1.4-4.0-mum range. The system has been used to measure atmospheric water vapor at ranges of up to 1 km. The actual and predicted performances of the system are compared, and some of the problems peculiar to continuously tunable IR sources, such as non-negligible linewidth and the need for accurate wavelength setting, are analyzed.

Low-coherence interferometric sensor system utilizing an integrated optics configuration.

The implementation of a twin Mach-Zehnder reference interferometer in an integrated optics substrate is described. From measurements of the fringe visibilities, an identification of the fringe order is attempted as a way to provide an absolute sensor for any parameter capable of modifying the difference in path length between two interfering optical paths.