Optimization of the mode matching in pulsed cavity ringdown spectroscopy by monitoring non-degenerate transverse mode beating

Abstract

A simple and reliable method is presented for optimizing the mode matching of a laser beam to the high-finesse cavity used in pulsed cavity ringdown spectroscopy (CRDS). The method is based on minimizing the excitation of higher-order transverse cavity modes through monitoring the nondegenerate transverse mode beating which becomes visible with induced cavity asymmetry caused by slight misalignment. No additional instrument is required other than a pinhole aperture, thus this method can be applied for CRDS experiments in the whole wavelength range. Measurements of the CRDS absorption spectrum of acetylene (C2H2) near 571 nm demonstrate that the mode-matching optimization improves the sensitivity of pulsed CRDS.