Gas Cell Incorporating Brewster's Angles

A reference gas cell consisting of a cylinder with optical windows was developed to allow an infrared radiation (IR) laser to interrogate the chemical composition of the test gas.

The gas cylinder will contain about 1 liter of gas and serves as a calibration target for chemical detection with Quantum Cascade Lasers. Optical windows were installed at each end of the cylinder; the windows were oriented at 55 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder to minimize beam reflectance.

The cylinder is normally used at atmospheric pressure, but can be used in high vacuum applications as well.

Project Contact: B. Hatchell