Intracavity laser spectroscopy by using a Fe2+:ZnSe laser

A Fe²⁺:ZnSe laser emitting in the spectral range between 3.77 and 5.05 μm is used for the first time for intracavity laser spectroscopy. The intracavity absorption spectra of methane in the 4.1-μm region are recorded at different instants of lasing (0 – 80 μs) and the dynamics of spectral holes during lasing is investigated. It is found that an intracavity absorption signal linearly increases with time during lasing in the time range from 0 to 80 μs, which provides the effective absorption length up to 24 km.