Laser frequency combs for molecular spectroscopy
31.05.2017
| Date | 31.05.2017 |
|---|---|
| Time | 16:45-18:00 |
| Place |
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| Speaker | Nathalie Picque |
| Area of expertise | Physics |
| Host | Dep. Physik |
| Contact | Keller |
| Abstract | Laser frequency combs are coherent sources with a spectrum consisting of (up to) several hundreds thousand sharp and evenly spaced spectral lines. A mode-locked femtosecond laser with a regular pulse train can, for instance, give rise to a comb spectrum of modes with a spacing precisely equal to the pulse repetition frequency. Almost two decades ago, laser frequency combs have revolutionized the way of measuring the frequency of light. Today, frequency combs are finding applications far beyond the original purpose. With selected examples, I will illustrate how they are becoming powerful instruments for broadband molecular sensing and how they create new opportunities for multiplex nonlinear spectroscopy. I will in particular discuss the technique of dual-comb spectroscopy. I will show that such novel applications call for a new generation of laser combs, with specifications largely different from those required for frequency metrology. |