Infrared electric field sampled frequency comb spectroscopy

Author(s)

Kowligy, Abijith S. ^{[1, 2]} ; Timmers, Henry ^[1] ; Lind, Alexander J. ^{[1, 2]} ; Elu, Ugaitz ^[3] ; Cruz, Flavio C. ^{[4, 1]} ; Schunemann, Peter G. ^[5] ; Biegert, Jens ^{[6, 3]} ; Diddams, Scott A. ^{[1, 2]}

Affiliation

^[1] NIST, Time & Frequency Div, Boulder, CO 80305 - USA

^[2] Univ Colorado, Dept Phys, Boulder, CO 80305 - USA

^[3] Barcelona Inst Sci & Technol, ICFO Inst Ciencies Foton, Castelldefels 08860, Barcelona - Spain

^[4] Univ Estadual Campinas, Inst Fis Gleb Wataghin, BR-13083859 Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[5] BAE Syst, Nashua, NH 03060 - USA

^[6] ICREA, Pg Lluis Companys 23, Barcelona 08010 - Spain

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: SCIENCE ADVANCES; v. 5, n. 6 JUN 2019.
• Web of Science Citations: 9

Abstract

Probing matter with light in the mid-infrared provides unique insight into molecular composition, structure, and function with high sensitivity. However, laser spectroscopy in this spectral region lacks the broadband or tunable light sources and efficient detectors available in the visible or near-infrared. We overcome these challenges with an approach that unites a compact source of phase-stable, single-cycle, mid-infrared pulses with room temperature electric field-resolved detection at video rates. The ultrashort pulses correspond to laser frequency combs that span 3 to 27 mm (370 to 3333 cm(-1)), and are measured with dynamic range of >10(6) and spectral resolution as high as 0.003 cm(-1). We highlight the brightness and coherence of our apparatus with gas-, liquid-, and solid-phase spectroscopy that extends over spectral bandwidths comparable to thermal or infrared synchrotron sources. This unique combination enables powerful avenues for rapid detection of biological, chemical, and physical properties of matter with molecular specificity. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/26673-5 - Spectroscopy and Sensing with Optical Frequency Combs: from DC to Visible
• Grantee: Flavio Caldas da Cruz
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research