Computer Controlled Diode Laser Spectrometer

We describe two computer controlled diode laser spectrometers for the mid-infrared spectral region. In one spectrometer, the lead salt diode lasers are cooled to their operating temperature with a temperature adjustable helium evaporation cryostat, the other system employs a conventional closed-cycle cooler. Computer controlled procedures for scanning the diode lasers have been developed which are independent of tables describing the tuning characteristics of the diode lasers. The scanning program was used for both spectrometers with only minor modifications. The diode laser systems have been applied to high resolution spectroscopy not only of stable molecules but also of molecular radicals.