Infrared electric-field sampled frequency comb spectroscopy

Published

June 7, 2019

Author(s)

Abijith S. Kowligy, Henry R. Timmers, Alexander Lind, Ugaitz Elu, Flavio Caldas da Cruz, Peter Schunemann, Jens Biegert, Scott Diddams

Abstract

Molecular spectroscopy in the mid-infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum (3--25 um) has been a cornerstone interdisciplinary analytical technique widely adapted across the biological, chemical, and physical sciences. Applications range from understanding mesoscale trends in climate science via atmospheric monitoring to microscopic investigations of cellular biological systems via protein characterization. Here, we present a compact and comprehensive approach to infrared spectroscopy incorporating the development of broadband laser frequency combs across 3--27 um, encompassing the entire mid-infrared, and direct electric-field measurement of the corresponding near single-cycle infrared pulses of light. Utilizing this unified apparatus for high-resolution and accurate frequency comb spectroscopy, we present the infrared spectra of important atmospheric compounds such as ammonia and carbon dioxide in the molecular fingerprint region (6--16 \micron). To further highlight the ability to study complex biological systems, we present a broadband spectrum of the NISTmAb, a monoclonal antibody reference material consisting of more than 20,000 atoms. The absorption signature resolves the amide I, II, and III vibrations, thereby providing a means to study secondary structures of proteins. The approach described here, operating at the boundary of ultrafast physics and precision spectroscopy, provides a table-top solution and a widely adaptable technique impacting both applied and fundamental scientific studies.

Citation

Science Advances

Pub Type

Journals

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Keywords

electric field measurement, frequency comb, infrared coherent sources, nonlinear optics, spectroscopy, ultrafast physics

Citation

Kowligy, A. , Timmers, H. , Lind, A. , Elu, U. , Caldas da Cruz, F. , Schunemann, P. , Biegert, J. and Diddams, S. (2019), Infrared electric-field sampled frequency comb spectroscopy, Science Advances, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=926506 (Accessed October 15, 2025)