Scientists at the Max Planck institute for the science of light (MPL) have developed an advanced laser system for precise detection of atmospheric pollutants.
A research team at MPL, Germany has developed a high-power ytterbium thin-disk laser which is integral to an optical parametric oscillator (OPO) and produces consistent, high-intensity pulses in the short-wave infrared (SWIR) spectral band. This innovation enables accurate tracking of greenhouse gases like methane, addressing limitations in existing atmospheric monitoring technologies.
Methane, though less abundant than carbon dioxide, is a potent greenhouse gas with 25 times the warming potential. Its detection remains challenging due to overlapping absorption spectra in traditional infrared wavelengths and interference from water vapour. The new laser system overcomes these obstacles by leveraging the short-wave infrared (SWIR) band, making it invaluable for environmental scientists and researchers studying greenhouse gas dynamics. Governments and industries working on climate change mitigation and air quality regulation are also potential beneficiaries.
The ytterbium thin-disk laser delivers femtosecond pulses at megahertz rates, powering an OPO that transforms these pulses into adjustable SWIR outputs. “The output of our laser system can be scaled to higher average and peak power,” noted Anni Li, a Ph.D. student, MPL, highlighting its real-time pollutant detection capabilities.
Beyond atmospheric monitoring, this advanced system holds potential for Earth-to-space optical communications, thanks to its high-bandwidth, modulated laser output. Dr. Hanieh Fattahi, lead researcher & professor, MPL emphasised the broader scientific applications of the technology in both environmental science and communication systems.
Further, the researchers aim to refine the platform further by integrating it into flexible systems for global pollutant tracking and advanced communication. Their work underscores a critical step toward mitigating the climate crisis through innovative laser technology, offering new insights into greenhouse gas dynamics and atmospheric changes.
