Atomic Physics Seminars

Nitric oxide (NO) has received much attention in biochemistry and medicine as a physiologically active molecule involved in vasodilation and signal transduction. Determination of NO content in cells and tissues in the form of its S-nitrosothiol donor molecules is of great importance for medical diagnosis and treatment. We will report on our ongoing development of an instrument to measure trace levels of nitric oxide gas (NO), released from S-nitrosothiols after exposure to UV light (340 nm). The instrument uses the method of cavity ring-down spectroscopy, probing rotationally resolved lines in the vibrational fundamental transition near 5.2 μm. Preliminary spectroscopic measurements with an astigmatic multi-pass cell will also be reported.