Differential absorption measurement of methane with two spatially resolved laser lines

Abstract
Simultaneous and independent lasing on two different atomic lines is achieved with spatial resolution of laser eigenstates in conjunction with intracavity frequency selection. A sensitivity of 0.3 part in 106 meter in the differential detection of methane in 1 atm of air is experimentally demonstrated with this novel dual-wavelength laser. Monitoring the output intensities of the two orthogonally polarized eigenstates permits absolute measurement of methane concentration.