Mid-Infrared Supercontinuum-Based Spectroscopy for Open-Path Measurements

Open-path absorption spectroscopic methods are widely used for monitoring greenhouse gases and pollutants. Compared to gas cell measurements, open-path measurements allow for integrating concentrations over a path, which can be used for flux calculations of greenhouse gases in an area, or leak detection. Traditional open-path Fourier transform spectrometers are equipped with incoherent thermal light sources. Supercontinuum (SC) sources are ideal candidates to replace incoherent thermal sources, given their spatial coherence and high optical brightness, enabling more sensitive detection over longer paths.