Direct frequency comb cavity ring-down spectroscopy: Enhancing Sensitivity and Precision

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel cavity ring-down spectroscopy method using an optical frequency comb and Fourier transform spectrometry to achieve high-resolution, sensitive, and precise measurements of molecular absorption and cavity losses.

Contribution

It presents a new technique combining frequency combs with cavity ring-down spectroscopy and a stabilization method for improved sensitivity and spectral resolution.

Findings

Achieved high spectral resolution over broad range

Demonstrated precise measurement of CO rovibrational lines

Enhanced sensitivity in cavity loss detection

Abstract

We present a novel approach to cavity ring-down spectroscopy utilizing an optical frequency comb as the direct probe of the Fabry-Perot cavity, coupled with a time-resolved Fourier transform spectrometer for parallel retrieval of ring-down events. Our method achieves high spectral resolution over a broad range, enabling precision measurements of cavity losses and absorption lineshapes with enhanced sensitivity. A critical advancement involves a stabilization technique ensuring complete extinction of comb light without compromising cavity stabilization. We demonstrate the capabilities of our system through precision spectroscopy of carbon monoxide rovibrational transitions perturbed by argon.