A versatile and narrow linewidth infra-red radiation source for ro-vibration state selected preparation of molecules in molecular beams

Abstract: We describe the design and characterization of a versatile pulsed (5 ns, 10 Hz repetition rate) optical parametric oscillator and amplifier system capable of generating single longitudinal mode, narrow linewidth (0.01 cm$^{-1}$) radiation in the wavelength range of 680 - 870 nm and 1380 - 4650 nm. Using a combination of power-normalized photoacoustic signal and a Fizeau interferometer-based wavemeter, we are able to actively stabilize the output wavenumber to within 0.005 cm$^{-1}$ (3$\sigma$) over a timescale longer than 1000 seconds. We demonstrate an application of this system by performing ro-vibration state-selected preparation of CO in v = 2 state, via direct overtone excitation (v = 0 $\rightarrow 2$ at 2346 nm) and subsequent state-selected detection in an internally cold molecular beam.