Diode Laser Spectroscopic Monitoring of Trace Gases

Modern diode laser spectroscopy is becoming an important and a more widely used tool for detection and measurement of trace gases. The change is driven by the recent advances in diode laser technology and diode laser frequency conversion techniques, which now push the limits of emission wavelength, output power, operating temperature, miniaturization, and cost. Basic features of the diode laser now find new, interesting, and unique use in well-established laboratory and field applications related to trace-gas detection and, in some instances, even transform the traditional spectroscopic methods. It is the purpose of this chapter to familiarize the reader with the key elements of diode laser technology and analytical methods used in diode laser spectroscopy.