Use of a DF laser in the analysis of atmospheric hydrocarbons

A study was made of a possible use of a DF laser as a radiation source in the analysis of atmospheric hydrocarbons. The absorption coefficients of methane, ethane, and propane were determined at various emission wavelengths of the DF laser. Criteria were formulated for selecting the analytic and reference emission lines to be used in the monitoring of atmospheric hydrocarbons by the differential absorption method. The methane monitoring sensitivity was ~2 × 10^–3 bar m and the propane sensitivity was 10^–3 bar m.