Absolute frequency referencing in the long wave infrared using a quantum cascade laser frequency comb

Optical frequency combs (OFCs) based on quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) have transformed mid-infrared spectroscopy. However, QCL-OFCs have not yet been exploited to provide a broadband absolute frequency reference. We demonstrate this possibility by performing comb-calibrated spectroscopy at 7.7 µm (1...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Optics express 2022-04, Vol.30 (8), p.12891-12901
Main Authors: Komagata, K N, Gianella, M, Jouy, P, Kapsalidis, F, Shahmohammadi, M, Beck, M, Matthey, R, Wittwer, V J, Hugi, A, Faist, J, Emmenegger, L, Südmeyer, T, Schilt, S
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:Optical frequency combs (OFCs) based on quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) have transformed mid-infrared spectroscopy. However, QCL-OFCs have not yet been exploited to provide a broadband absolute frequency reference. We demonstrate this possibility by performing comb-calibrated spectroscopy at 7.7 µm (1305 cm ) using a QCL-OFC referenced to a molecular transition. We obtain 1.5·10 relative frequency stability (100-s integration time) and 3·10 relative frequency accuracy, comparable with state-of-the-art solutions relying on nonlinear frequency conversion. We show that QCL-OFCs can be locked with sub-Hz-level stability to a reference for hours, thus promising their use as metrological tools for the mid-infrared.
ISSN:1094-4087
1094-4087
DOI:10.1364/OE.447650