Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Spectroscopy Using Tunable Dye Lasers Pumped by an Ultraviolet Nitrogen Laser.

Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Spectroscopy CARS is a recently developed method that shows great promise for extending and complementing the applicability of standard Raman spectroscopic techniques. An apparatus to observe the nonlinear generation of coherent anti-Stokes Raman beams was constructed. Three different types of nitrogen lasers were built and each was critically evaluated. One type, which provided the highest power, was used to simultaneously pump two tunable dye lasers. The backgrounds and design features of each of the laser types are discussed. When two dye laser beams were crossed and focused in a Raman active material, the sample emitted higher frequency anti-Stokes radiation. Due to system limitations, this radiation was diffuse rather than a collimated beam. The theory of Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Spectroscopy CARS is also discussed.