ISSN:
1432-0630
Keywords:
32
;
91
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Production Engineering, Mining and Metallurgy, Traffic Engineering, Precision Mechanics
,
Physics
Notes:
Abstract The feasibility of IR laser spectroscopy as a technique for the measurement of small abundances of stable and radioactive isotopes has been examined. Theoretical considerations and first experimental results with two laser systems are presented: 1) Coincidences between emission lines of a CO2-laser and absorption lines of13C-substituted ethylene can be used to determine the13C-concentration of C2H4. 2) A tunable PbS-diode laser emitting in the 4.3 μm-spectral region of the rotation-vibration bands of CO2 can be used to determine abundances of12C,13C,16O,17O and18O in small samples of CO2. With optimized performance, sensitivities up to 10−9–10−10 seem possible, and for higher abundances an accuracy of 10−3. This should allow geophysical isotope studies to be performed and it is hoped that the technique will eventually be applicable to measuring the activity of long-lived radioisotopes.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00882474
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