Modulation index optimization for optical fringe suppression in wavelength modulation spectroscopy

Optical fringes constitute one of the major obstacles in the gas detection based on wavelength modulation spectroscopy (WMS). In order to suppress optical fringes, a convenient method of modulation index optimization was presented, using the signal-fringe ratio as a criterion. In addition to suppressing optical fringes, the optimized modulation index enables the detection of gas absorption. This method was demonstrated in a WMS based oxygen sensor. By comparing the sensor performances with and without the use of the optimized modulation index, we showed that the optical fringes are reduced by using the optimized modulation index; furthermore, the system stability and detection limit are improved. More specifically, the long-term fluctuation of the sensor measurement is dramatically reduced by a factor of 8, and a detection limit of as low as 120 ppm (with effective optical path length of 32 cm and integral time of 2.6 s), characterized by the Allan variance, was derived. This method can be applied in other existing WMS systems without the need for additional devices or complex algorithms and has the potential to be used in both laboratory and industrial settings. (C) 2015 AIP Publishing LLC.