Standoff and arms-length detection of chemicals with single-beam coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering

Coherent Vibrational Anti-Stokes Raman Spectroscopy Assisted by Pulse Shaping

Coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) is a powerful nonlinear spectroscopic technique widely used in biological imaging, chemical analysis, and combustion and flame diagnostics. The adoption of pulse shapers in CARS has emerged as a useful approach, offering precise control of optical waveforms. By tailoring the phase, amplitude, and polarization of laser pulses, the pulse shaping approach enables selective excitation, spectral resolution improvement, and non-resonant background suppression in CARS. This paper presents a comprehensive review of applying pulse shaping techniques in CARS spectroscopy for biophotonics. There are two different pulse shaping strategies: passive pulse shaping and active pulse shaping. Two passive pulse shaping techniques, hybrid CARS and spectral focusing CARS, are reviewed. Active pulse shaping using a programmable pulse shaper such as spatial light modulator (SLM) is discussed for CARS spectroscopy. Combining active pulse shaping and passive shaping, optimizing CARS with acousto-optic programmable dispersive filters (AOPDFs) is discussed and illustrated with experimental examples conducted in the authors' laboratory. These results underscore pulse shapers in advancing CARS technology, enabling improved sensitivity, specificity, and broader applications across diverse scientific fields.

Single-shot detection of bacterial spores with Yb-laser-based CARS spectroscopy

We present a system based on a high-energy femtosecond ytterbium laser seeding an optical parametric amplifier and a photonic crystal hollow core fiber (PCHCF) compressor for coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) spectroscopy. The PCHCF provides spectral broadening of the Stokes pulse which is then compressed to a duration matched to that of the pump pulse. In these conditions, the excitation efficiency of vibrational levels in the target molecules is largely improved, as the time gating effect due to the mismatch between the durations of the pump and Stokes pulses is avoided. Experiments are presented along with a theoretical model to quantify expected improvement of sensitivity. The system is used to detect bacterial spores deposited on a surface with a single laser shot at unprecedented signal-to-noise ratio.

Standoff detection of bacterial spores by field deployable coherent Raman spectroscopy

Vibrational spectroscopies offer great potential for standoff detection of chemical and biological warfare agents, avoiding contamination to the operator and equipment. Among them, particularly promising is Coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) spectroscopy, using synchronized pump/Stokes laser pulses to set up a vibrational coherence of target molecules at a laser focus, which is read by further interaction with a probe pulse, resulting in the emission of a coherent beam detectable at a distance. CARS has previously demonstrated the capability to detect bacterial spores based on the Raman spectrum of the characteristic molecule calcium dipicolinate (CaDPA); however, a complex and bulky laser technology, which is only suitable for a laboratory environment, was employed. Here we develop a broadband CARS setup based on a compact, industrial grade ytterbium laser system. We demonstrate high signal-to-noise ratio detection of Bacillus atrophaeus spores at a concentration of 10⁵ cfu/mm², at a standoff distance of 1 m, and an acquisition time of 1 s. Our system, which combines chemical specificity and sensitivity along with improved ruggedness and portability, paves the way to a new generation of instruments for real-world standoff detection of chemical and biological threats.

Standoff CARS spectroscopy and imaging using an ytterbium-based laser system

A laser system for standoff coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) spectroscopy of various materials under ambient light conditions is presented. The system is based on an ytterbium laser and an ultrafast optical parametric amplifier for the generation of a broadband pump tunable from 880 to 930 nm, a Stokes at 1025 nm, and a narrowband probe at 512.5 nm. High-resolution Raman spectra encompassing the fingerprint region (400-1800 cm^-1) are obtained in 5 ms for toluene, and 100 ms for two types of sugars, glucose and fructose, at a distance of 1 m. As a demonstration of the potential of the setup, hyperspectral images of a 2×2-cm² target area are collected for a toluene cuvette and a glucose/fructose pressed disk. Our approach is suitable for implementation of a portable system for standoff CARS imaging of chemical and biological materials.

Fiber laser system for standoff coherent Raman spectroscopy

A fiber laser system for standoff detection of chemical and biological species by coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering is presented. The system is based on an ytterbium fiber laser and a hollow-core photonic crystal fiber for generation of broadband pump/Stokes pulses. High-resolution Raman spectra encompassing the fingerprint region (600-1600cm^-1) are obtained for toluene, and two simulants of chemical and biological warfare agents, specifically dimethyl methylphosphonate and sodium dipicolinate. The system is operated at standoff distances of 2 m and integration times of 8 ms. The fiber technology makes the approach suitable for implementation as a compact standoff detection and identification system.

Nonlinear pulse compression to 22 fs at 15.6 µJ by an all-solid-state multipass approach

We demonstrate nonlinear compression of pulses at 1.03 µm and repetition rate of 200 kHz generated by a ytterbium fiber laser using two cascaded all-solid-state multipass cells. The pulse duration has been compressed from 460 to 22 fs, corresponding to a compression factor of ∼21. The compressed pulse energy is 15.6 µJ, corresponding to an average power of 3.1 W, and the overall transmission of the two compression stages is 76%. The output beam quality factor is M² ∼1.2 and the excess intensity noise introduced by nonlinear broadening is below 0.05%. These results show that nonlinear pulse compression down to ultrashort durations can be achieved with an all-solid-state approach, at pulse energies much higher than previously reported, while preserving the spatial characteristics of the laser.

Single-beam heterodyne FAST CARS microscopy

We demonstrate, for the first time, single-beam heterodyne FAST CARS imaging without data post-processing and with nonresonant background subtraction in a simple setup via the real-time piezo modulation of the probe delay. Our fast signal acquisition scheme does not require a spatial light modulator in the pulse shaper, and is suitable for high-resolution imaging and time-resolved dynamics. In addition, the spectral detection of the back-scattered FAST CARS signal is incorporated into the pulse shaper, allowing for a compact and more efficient design. Such epi-detection capability is demonstrated by imaging Si and MoS₂ microstructures.

Single Broadband Phase-Shaped Pulse Stimulated Raman Spectroscopy for Standoff Trace Explosive Detection

Recent success with trace explosives detection based on the single ultrafast pulse excitation for remote stimulated Raman scattering (SUPER-SRS) prompts us to provide new results and a Perspective that describes the theoretical foundation of the strategy used for achieving the desired sensitivity and selectivity. SUPER-SRS provides fast and selective imaging while being blind to optical properties of the substrate such as color, texture, or laser speckle. We describe the strategy of combining coherent vibrational excitation with a reference pulse in order to detect stimulated Raman gain or loss. A theoretical model is used to reproduce experimental spectra and to determine the ideal pulse parameters for best sensitivity, selectivity, and resolution when detecting one or more compounds simultaneously.

Filament-Assisted Impulsive Raman Spectroscopy of Ozone and Nitrogen Oxides

The filament-assisted impulsive Raman spectra of ozone, nitric oxide, and nitrogen dioxide are presented. The Raman response as a function of ozone concentration scales as N(2), where N is the number of oscillators in the interaction region. The system described has a detection limit of ∼300 ppm for gas-phase ozone. Ozone produced via the strong field chemistry occurring within the filament pump was also detected. The measurements reveal spectral interference in the Raman features. Simulations show the spectral fringing results from interference of the Raman signal with pump-induced cross-phase modulation. The fringes are used to classify the symmetric mode of the low concentration filament-generated ozone.

A versatile setup using femtosecond adaptive spectroscopic techniques for coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering

We report a versatile setup based on the femtosecond adaptive spectroscopic techniques for coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering. The setup uses a femtosecond Ti:Sapphire oscillator source and a folded 4f pulse shaper, in which the pulse shaping is carried out through conventional optical elements and does not require a spatial light modulator. Our setup is simple in alignment, and can be easily switched between the collinear single-beam and the noncollinear two-beam configurations. We demonstrate the capability for investigating both transparent and highly scattering samples by detecting transmitted and reflected signals, respectively.

Low wavenumber efficient single-beam coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering using a spectral hole

We demonstrate an approach to detect low wavenumber vibrational signals based on single-beam coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) with a spectral hole. Using a 4f pulse shaper for both pulse shaping and signal collection, we achieve an enhanced efficiency in collecting back-reflected CARS signals.

Coherence brightened laser source for atmospheric remote sensing

We have studied coherent emission from ambient air and demonstrated efficient generation of laser-like beams directed both forward and backward with respect to a nanosecond ultraviolet pumping laser beam. The generated optical gain is a result of two-photon photolysis of atmospheric O(2), followed by two-photon excitation of atomic oxygen. We have analyzed the temporal shapes of the emitted pulses and have observed very short duration intensity spikes as well as a large Rabi frequency that corresponds to the emitted field. Our results suggest that the emission process exhibits nonadiabatic atomic coherence, which is similar in nature to Dicke superradiance where atomic coherence is large and can be contrasted with ordinary lasing where atomic coherence is negligible. This atomic coherence in oxygen adds insight to the optical emission physics and holds promise for remote sensing techniques employing nonlinear spectroscopy.

Ultrafast-laser-induced backward stimulated Raman scattering for tracing atmospheric gases

By combining tunable broadband pulse generation with the technique of nonlinear spectral compression we demonstrate a prototype scheme for highly selective detection of air molecules by backward stimulated Raman scattering. The experimental results allow to extrapolate the laser parameters required for standoff sensing based on the recently demonstrated backward atmospheric lasing.

Single-shot gas-phase thermometry by time-to-frequency mapping of coherence dephasing

We demonstrate a single-beam coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) technique for gas-phase thermometry that assesses the species-specific local gas temperature by single-shot time-to-frequency mapping of Raman-coherence dephasing. The proof-of-principle experiments are performed with air in a temperature-controlled gas cell. Impulsive excitation of molecular vibrations by an ultrashort pump/Stokes pulse is followed by multipulse probing of the 2330 cm(-1) Raman transition of N(2). This sequence of colored probe pulses, delayed in time with respect to each other and corresponding to three isolated spectral bands, imprints the coherence dephasing onto the measured CARS spectrum. For calibration purposes, the dephasing rates are recorded at various gas temperatures, and the relationship is fitted to a linear regression. The calibration data are then used to determine the gas temperature and are shown to provide better than 15 K accuracy. The described approach is insensitive to pulse energy fluctuations and can, in principle, gauge the temperature of multiple chemical species in a single laser shot, which is deemed particularly valuable for temperature profiling of reacting flows in gas-turbine combustors.

Raman Spectroscopy for Homeland Security Applications

Raman spectroscopy is an analytical technique with vast applications in the homeland security and defense arenas. The Raman effect is defined by the inelastic interaction of the incident laser with the analyte molecule’s vibrational modes, which can be exploited to detect and identify chemicals in various environments and for the detection of hazards in the field, at checkpoints, or in a forensic laboratory with no contact with the substance. A major source of error that overwhelms the Raman signal is fluorescence caused by the background and the sample matrix. Novel methods are being developed to enhance the Raman signal’s sensitivity and to reduce the effects of fluorescence by altering how the hazard material interacts with its environment and the incident laser. Basic Raman techniques applicable to homeland security applications include conventional (off-resonance) Raman spectroscopy, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), resonance Raman spectroscopy, and spatially or temporally offset Raman spectroscopy (SORS and TORS). Additional emerging Raman techniques, including remote Raman detection, Raman imaging, and Heterodyne imaging, are being developed to further enhance the Raman signal, mitigate fluorescence effects, and monitor hazards at a distance for use in homeland security and defense applications.

Stand-off detection of solid targets with diffuse reflection spectroscopy using a high-power mid-infrared supercontinuum source

We measure the diffuse reflection spectrum of solid samples such as explosives (TNT, RDX, PETN), fertilizers (ammonium nitrate, urea), and paints (automotive and military grade) at a stand-off distance of 5 m using a mid-infrared supercontinuum light source with 3.9 W average output power. The output spectrum extends from 750-4300 nm, and it is generated by nonlinear spectral broadening in a 9 m long fluoride fiber pumped by high peak power pulses from a dual-stage erbium-ytterbium fiber amplifier operating at 1543 nm. The samples are distinguished using unique spectral signatures that are attributed to the molecular vibrations of the constituents. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) calculations demonstrate the feasibility of increasing the stand-off distance from 5 to ~150 m, with a corresponding drop in SNR from 28 to 10 dB.

Plasma-assisted coherent backscattering for standoff spectroscopy

We show that an intense coherent backward signal can be generated through a Raman-type four-wave-mixing process using forward propagating fields only. Phase matching for this process is achieved through a plasma modulation of the refractive index. Applications to standoff spectroscopy are discussed.

Group-velocity-dispersion measurements of atmospheric and combustion-related gases using an ultrabroadband-laser source

The use of femtosecond-laser sources for the diagnostics of combustion and reacting-flow environments requires detailed knowledge of optical dispersive properties of the medium interacting with the laser beams. Here the second- and third-order dispersion values for nitrogen, oxygen, air, carbon dioxide, ethylene, acetylene, and propane within the 700-900 nm range are reported, along with the pressure dependence of the chromatic dispersion. The effect of dispersion on axial resolution when applied to nonlinear spectroscopy with ultrabroadband pulses is also discussed.

Single-beam coherent Raman spectroscopy and microscopy via spectral notch shaping

We present a simple and easily implementable scheme for multiplexed Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering (CARS) spectroscopy and microscopy using a single femtosecond pulse, shaped with a narrow spectral notch. We show that a tunable spectral notch, shaped by a resonant photonic crystal slab, can serve as a narrowband, optimally time-delayed probe, resolving a broad vibrational spectrum with high spectral resolution in a single-shot measurement. Our single-source, single-beam scheme allows the simple transformation of any multiphoton microscope with adequate bandwidth into a nearly alignment-free CARS microscope.

Ultrafast laser-based spectroscopy and sensing: applications in LIBS, CARS, and THz spectroscopy

Ultrafast pulsed lasers find application in a range of spectroscopy and sensing techniques including laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), coherent Raman spectroscopy, and terahertz (THz) spectroscopy. Whether based on absorption or emission processes, the characteristics of these techniques are heavily influenced by the use of ultrafast pulses in the signal generation process. Depending on the energy of the pulses used, the essential laser interaction process can primarily involve lattice vibrations, molecular rotations, or a combination of excited states produced by laser heating. While some of these techniques are currently confined to sensing at close ranges, others can be implemented for remote spectroscopic sensing owing principally to the laser pulse duration. We present a review of ultrafast laser-based spectroscopy techniques and discuss the use of these techniques to current and potential chemical and environmental sensing applications.