Optica, Applied optics, 1(26), p. 99, 1987
DOI: 10.1364/ao.26.000099
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The noise level in single-pulse resonant nitrogen CARS spectra is shown to decrease with increasing pump laser bandwidth. This is the reverse of the trend observed for nonresonant CARS spectra. The precision of single-pulse CARS temperature measurements is shown to be dramatically increased by performing a weighted fit of theoretical and experimental CARS spectra using the measured detector noise coefficients as weighting parameters. The inclusion of collisional narrowing and cross-coherence in the CARS theory calculations and their effect on best fit temperatures are discussed. These temperatures, measured in a flat-flame burner, are compared with those obtained by Na line-reversal. ; peer reviewed: yes ; NRC Pub: yes