Quantum-noise-limited optical frequency comb spectroscopy

Abstract

We achieve a quantum-noise-limited absorption sensitivity of 1.7/times10${}^{-12}$ cm${}^{-1}$ per spectral element at 400 s of acquisition time with cavity-enhanced frequency comb spectroscopy, the highest demonstrated for a comb-based technique. The system comprises a frequency comb locked to a high-finesse cavity and a fast-scanning Fourier transform spectrometer with an ultra-low-noise autobalancing detector. Spectra with a signal-to-noise ratio above 1000 and a resolution of 380 MHz are acquired within a few seconds. The measured absorption lineshapes are in excellent agreement with theoretical predictions.

18 pages, 4 figures; http://prl.aps.org/pdf/PRL/v107/i23/e233002