Open-path dual-comb spectroscopy to an airborne retroreflector

Published

July 20, 2017

Author(s)

Kevin C. Cossel, Eleanor M. Waxman, Fabrizio R. Giorgetta, Michael A. Cermak, Dan Hesselius, Shalom Ruben, William C. Swann, Gregory B. Rieker, Nathan R. Newbury

Abstract

We demonstrate a new technique for spatial mapping of multiple atmospheric gas species. This system is based on high-precision dual-comb spectroscopy to a retroreflector mounted on a flying multicopter. We measure the atmospheric absorption over long open-air paths to the multicopter with comb-tooth resolution over 1.57–1.66 μm, covering absorption bands of CO2, CH4, H2O, and isotopologues. When combined with GPS-based path length measurements, a fit of the absorption spectra retrieves the dry mixing ratios versus position. Under well-mixed atmospheric conditions, retrievals from both horizontal and vertical paths show stable mixing ratios as expected. This approach can support future boundary layer studies as well as plume detection and source location.

Citation

Optica

Volume

4

Issue

7

Pub Type

Journals

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DOI Link

Citation

Cossel, K. , Waxman, E. , Giorgetta, F. , Cermak, M. , Hesselius, D. , Ruben, S. , Swann, W. , Rieker, G. and Newbury, N. (2017), Open-path dual-comb spectroscopy to an airborne retroreflector, Optica, [online], https://doi.org/10.1364/OPTICA.4.000724 (Accessed October 10, 2025)