Nanosecond time-resolved spectroscopy with a pulsed tunable dye laser and single photon time correlation

Abstract

A technique is described for performing nanosecond time-resolved spectroscopy for situations of extremely low emission rates. The system utilizes a N₂ laser pumped tunable dye laser and single photon time correlation techniques. It is applicable where there is need for nanosecond time resolution on emission which is either long-lived or has extremely low quantum efficiency and especially where monochromatic excitation is required. The technique is applied to the relaxation between a pair of excited states of Tb³⁺:Y(OH)₃, where 5-nsec temporal resolution with 2- cm⁻¹ spectral resolution is easily obtained.