Acquisition of quantitative information on absorption line parameters by intracavity spectroscopy

A description is given of a method for the determination of absorption line paramters by selective intracavity spectrometry based on the use of a pulse laser with a homogeneously broadened emission line. The analysis is based on time-integrated laser emission spectra. The method gives the width the profile of the investigated absorption line even if no additional laser parameters are known. The determination of the absorption coefficient at the line maximum requires the knowledge of the ratio of the constant (frequency-independent) losses to the square of the half width of the gain profile, but this ratio can be found by simple calibration with the aid of an absorption line with known parameters.