PROJECT TITLE :

Frequency Measurement of Far-Infrared Laser Emissions Generated by Methanol Isotopologues

ABSTRACT:

An optically pumped molecular laser system has been used to generate far-infrared (FIR) radiation with a variety of methanol isotopologues as its laser medium. Once detected, the frequencies of these laser emissions were measured using a heterodyne technique to a one-sigma fractional uncertainty of ±5 parts in 107. In total, 68 FIR laser frequencies, ranging from 0.417 to 2.611 THz, have been measured for the first time. These laser emissions were generated by six isotopic forms of methanol, CD3OH, CH3OD, CH2DOH, CHD2OH, CD3OD, and CH317OH. Two of these laser emissions were discovered during this investigation and are reported with their optimal operating pressure, polarization with respect to the CO2 pump laser, and output power.