Real-time dual-comb spectroscopy with a free-running bidirectionally mode-locked fiber laser

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160 Scopus citations

Abstract

Dual-comb technique has enabled exciting applications in high resolution spectroscopy, precision distance measurements, and 3D imaging. Major advantages over traditional methods can be achieved with dual-comb technique. For example, dual-comb spectroscopy provides orders of magnitude improvement in acquisition speed over standard Fourier-transform spectroscopy while still preserving the high resolution capability. Wider adoption of the technique has, however, been hindered by the need for complex and expensive ultrafast laser systems. Here, we present a simple and robust dual-comb system that employs a free-running bidirectionally mode-locked fiber laser operating at telecommunication wavelength. Two femtosecond frequency combs (with a small difference in repetition rates) are generated from a single laser cavity to ensure mutual coherent properties and common noise cancellation. As the result, we have achieved real-time absorption spectroscopy measurements without the need for complex servo locking with accurate frequency referencing, and relatively high signal-to-noise ratio.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number231104
JournalApplied Physics Letters
Volume108
Issue number23
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 6 2016

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physics and Astronomy (miscellaneous)

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