Broadband comb spectroscopy through spectral envelope shaping
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Optical frequency combs have facilitated fast and compact multi-component chemical analysis due to their broad spectral bandwidth. Although dual-comb spectrometers are an established implementation of this technology, their design requires a pair of matched combs with high mutual coherence, making the system considerably complex. In this study, we propose and implement a rapid, compact and broadband spectroscopy technique that operates without moving components, leveraging the stability, controllability and speed of a single Quantum Wwalk Ccomb laser. By using a comb based on a Quantum Cascade Laser, emitting within the molecular fingerprint region of the mid-infrared spectrum, we build a non-interferometric setup for the targeted and non-targeted analysis of various organic solvent vapours. With a time resolution as small as 10 μs and a high dynamic range reaching three orders of magnitude in concentration, this approach is suitable for the real-time analysis of chemical kinetics. Dual-comb spectroscopy has restrictive mutual coherence requirements. Here, authors propose a comb-based spectroscopy technique using a Quantum Cascade Laser in a non-interferometric setup. The system works without any moving components and achieves a time resolution of 10 μs with a bandwidth of 97 cm−1.
Source: Nature Communications
Authors: Ina Heckelmann, Davide Pinto, Uwe Schmitt, Mattias Beck, Jérôme Faist
Institutions: ETH Zurich, Institute for Quantum Electronics
Language: English
Subfield: Spectroscopy
Field: Chemistry
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $6,990
OpenAlex ID: W7153592382