A Review of the Applications of Tunable Diode Laser Spectroscopy at High Sensitivity

This paper presents a review of several applications of tunable diode laser technology requiring high sensitivity or high precision. The paper outlines technical developments which have led to a reduction in laser noise and an improvement in laser stability, both of which are critical to the task of achieving high signal-to-noise ratios in tunable diode applications. Sophisticated tunable laser systems are described which are being used to collect important data which are used in developing an understanding of the processes responsible for the annual ozone depletion. Stable isotope ratio measurements requiring low noise and high long-term stability and low-temperature collisional cooling experiments requiring low noise are also described. The list of references appropriate to these discussions is comprehensive.