On the measurement of pressure induced shift by diode lasers and harmonic detection

We present an analysis of the line shape of re-vibrational molecular absorptions, in case of frequency modulation spectroscopy with diode lasers, and in the presence of a residual amplitude modulation. Subtle effects, such as pressure induced shift, can be measured with sufficient accuracy also for the weak transition lines of the overtone and the combination bands of the molecules, under the proviso of considering the correct fit function in order to avoid possible systematic errors. Some results are given for acetylene overtone absorptions in the derivative spectroscopy limit (small amplitude of modulation) and in the case of large amplitude of modulation. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.