Applied Laser Spectroscopy Laboratory

This facility is used for research and development of advanced optical methodologies for the detection of all hazardous materials (chemical, biological, and explosives) and for basic research into new laser spectroscopic techniques. Equipment capability spans the ultraviolet to infrared spectrums and includes an ultrafast amplified titanium sapphire laser (sub-30 femtoseconds); multiple widely-tunable Quantum Cascade lasers; and numerous ion, fiber, and solid state sources in the visible and near-infrared spectrums. Currently studied optical spectroscopies include laser photoacoustics, surface-enhanced Raman, single-beam coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS), and laser pulse-shaping. The laboratory also includes advanced ink-jetting technology capable of manufacturing advanced optical standards for testing and assessment of spectroscopic techniques.