Nonlinear Optics for Remote Sensing and Atmospheric Lasing
Research Scholar, Dr.Arthur Dogariu
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department
Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544
Remote detection and identificationis of great interest for many applications including environmental, medical, and national security. Optical techniques can achieve standoff trace detection by identifying the atomic or molecular spectroscopic fingerprints. While linear optical methods such as LIDAR, Raman spectroscopy, absorption spectroscopy are considered for such tasks, they are less suitable for single-sided standoff detection in real-time, with both high specificity and sensitivity. This talk will describe nonlinear atomic and molecular spectroscopy techniques which provide standoff trace detection and identification, as well as flow diagnostics. Firstly, a novel microwave scattering technique allows resonantly enhanced multi-photon ionization (REMPI) to be used for remote atomic spectroscopy and detection of gas traces. Secondly, I will present backwards lasing in atmospheric air. Multi-photon dissociation and excitation can lead to strong stimulated emission from the atomic components in air (O, N, and Ar). The strong coherent emission is an example of a mirror-less atomic laser which can aid remote atmospheric trace species detection. Finally, I will present a femtosecond laser molecular tagging diagnostic tool (FLEET), which can be used for remote non-invasive flow visualization and characterization.
Also, several aspects of current researchwill be presented.