Frequency chirped Fourier-Transform spectroscopy

Fast (sub-second) spectroscopy with high spectral resolution is of vital importance for revealing quantum chemistry kinetics of complex chemical and biological reactions. Fourier transform (FT) spectrometers can achieve high spectral resolution and operate at hundreds of ms time scales in rapid-scan mode. However, the linear translation of a scanning mirror imposes stringent time-resolution limitations to these systems, which makes simultaneous high spectral and temporal resolution very difficult. Here, we demonstrate an FT spectrometer whose operational principle is based on continuous rotational motion of the scanning mirror, effectively decoupling the spectral resolution from the temporal one. Furthermore, we show that such rotational FT spectrometer can perform Mid-IR dual-comb spectroscopy with a single comb source, since the Doppler-shifted version of the comb serves as the second comb. In our realization, we combine the advantages of dual-comb and FT spectroscopy using a single quantum cascade laser frequency comb emitting at 8.2 mu m as a light source. Our technique does not require any diffractive or dispersive optical elements and hence preserve the Jacquinot's-, Fellgett's-, and Connes'-advantages of FT spectrometers. By integrating mulitple broadband sources, such system could pave the way for applications where high speed, large optical bandwidth, and high spectral resolution are desired. Fast and high-resolution Fourier transform spectrometers are indispensable for cutting-edge infrared spectroscopy. In this study, the authors employed a newly-designed fast-rotating retroreflective, broadband delay line demonstrating fast dual-comb spectroscopy with a single mid-infrared optical comb from a quantum cascade laser emitting at 8 micrometers.

Automated summary

Fast and high-resolution Fourier transform spectrometers are important for studying complex chemical and biological reactions. The authors developed a rotational FT spectrometer that decouples spectral and temporal resolution, allowing for high-speed spectroscopy. They also demonstrated the use of a single comb source for Mid-IR dual-comb spectroscopy.