Laser Spectroscopy

The Laser Spectroscopy team carries out research and development on tuneable laser spectroscopy methods, instruments, technologies, and applications.

We primarily use quantum cascade lasers to address the challenge of real time sensitive detection of trace molecular concentrations. Both remote sounding and in-situ sensing are covered. Our current research and development effort covers the following applications:

• Earth and planetary observation
• Atmospheric and environmental sensing
• Geochemistry studies
• Security and defence
• Medical non invasive sensing
• Industrial sensing
• Analytical instrumentation
• Fundamental science

We collaborate with academia and industries within the UK and internationally.

Laser Spectroscopy Laboratories - RAL Space

Research and Development activities

Remote sounding:

• Ground based atmospheric profiling with laser heterodyne radiometer |
• Widely tuneable laser heterodyne spectro-radiometer |
• Active heterodyne systems for medium range detection |
• Hollow waveguide optical integration |
• Chirped laser dispersion spectroscopy |
• Laser heterodyne radiometer for Mars sounding |

In-situ sensing:

• Terahertz quantum cascade lasers spectroscopy |
• Laser sensors for isotopic ratio analysis |
• Multipass and resonant cavity spectroscopy |