DEGENERATE FOUR-WAVE MIXING SPECTROSCOPY

Abstract

Over the past five years, degenerate four-wave mixing (DFWM) has proven itself to be a powerful spectroscopic tool for the interrogation of gas phase species. The growing interest in using DFWM has been motivated by the technique's high sensitivity, sub-Doppler spectral resolution, low laser intensity requirements and the ability to detect species via absorbing transitions. This technique has been used to probe a variety of molecular species via electronic and vibrational transitions. An overview of the recent progress in DFWM spectroscopy will be presented as well as a critical evaluation of strengths and weaknesses of the technique.