Absorption spectrometer with picosecond resolution utilizing optical parametric oscillators and a microcomputer

A description is given of a picosecond absorption spectrometer with a time resolution of 10 psec and a capability for continuous tuning of the excitation and probe wavelengths. A microcomputer is used in the acquisition and analysis of data, and in controlling the experiments. A sensitivity of 2×10^–4 optical density units in respect of the change in absorption is achieved. Some results of the applications of the spectrometer are reported.