title: Signal-to-noise ratio in chirped laser dispersion spectroscopy.
abstract: Quantitative studies and experimental validation of noise sources occurring in chirped laser dispersion spectroscopy (CLaDS) are reported. Their impact on the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) achievable with the CLaDS sensing method is analyzed through a noise model supported by experimental results. In particular the model shows that the SNR is optimal for a given value of the laser chirp rate. The experimental studies are conducted with a quantum cascade laser operating at 5.2 µm for the detection of nitric oxide. Optical fringing has been found to be a significant non-random source of noise and an effective reduction method that can improve the SNR is also discussed.
authors.affiliation: Electrical Engineering Department, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA.
authors.forename: Michal
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nikodem
authors.forename: Damien
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Weidmann
authors.forename: Clinton
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Gerard
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Wysocki
mesh_terms: D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D007834:Lasers; D059629:Signal-To-Noise Ratio; D013057:Spectrum Analysis / Q000295:instrumentation*