Time-resolved infrared spectral photography

A new technique for time-resolved (5-nsec) recording of broadband infrared absorption spectra is demonstrated. Resonantly enhanced, third-order nonlinearities of metal vapors are used both to produce a pulsed infrared continuum that interrogates the sample and to upconvert this infrared continuum into the visible. Single-shot absorption spectra of CO2 and H2O bands in the region 2.55-2.85, μm were obtained. © 1979, Optical Society of America.