Research Project
6739771
[unreadable] DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Ultraviolet Resonance Raman Spectroscopy is a powerful technique for detection, identification, and study of a number of chemical and biological species relevant to public health, such as carcinogens and biological warfare agents. The purpose of this SBIR research program is to develop a compact, efficient, and inexpensive ultraviolet laser to facilitate widespread use of ultraviolet resonance Raman spectroscopy. [unreadable] [unreadable] Phase I of this SBIR program will demonstrate the feasibility of a diode-pumped continuous-wave 236nm solid-state laser. The 236nm ultraviolet light will be generated by frequency-quadrupling the 946nm output of a neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser. An intracavity frequency-doubled laser will generate 473nm light and a second optical resonator will convert the 473nm light to 236nm. This final non-linear step will be carried out in a non-critically phase matched crystal to maximize conversion efficiency. Phase I will demonstrate the feasibility of the concept and provide experimental data to optimize the overall system. [unreadable] [unreadable] Phase II will produce a compact 100 mW 236nm ultraviolet laser system for use in a Raman spectrometer. Successful completion of Phase II will enable inexpensive and portable spectrometer systems and enable their use in medical applications, remote detection of chemical and biological materials, and a variety of industrial applications. [unreadable] [unreadable]
