Optoacoustic spectroscopy of gases utilizing an optical parametric oscillator with an LiNbO3 crystal

A report is given of the first application of an optoacoustic method with an optical parametric oscillator in recording the absorption spectra of atmospheric pollutants in the spectral range 2.2–3.6 μ (propane and ethane molecules were used to test the method). Estimates were obtained of the sensitivity and linearity of the measuring system. Recommendations were developed on improving the system for the identification of separate hydrocarbons in complex mixtures.