Abstract
We report on a new coherent source that, using a phase-lock scheme to an optical frequency-comb synthesizer, achieves a 10-Hz intrinsic linewidth, is tunable from 4 to 4.5 microm with a presettable absolute frequency and, when coupled to a high-finesse cavity, can provide a short-term absorption sensitivity of 1.3 x 10(-11) cm(-1)Hz,(-1/2). These unique spectral features make this source a precise tool for molecular physics.
Highlights
Atoms have been the natural playground for the observation and precise measurement of tiny physical effects
optical frequency-comb synthesizer (OFCS) transfer to the mid-IR region has been demonstrated by using optical parametric oscillators
In principle quantum cascade lasers (QCLs)[17] can achieve such performance when operated with an external-cavity geometry, which can provide a relative tunability around the center wavelength even exceeding 20%[18]
Summary
Atoms have been the natural playground for the observation and precise measurement of tiny physical effects. The availability of a highly precise and sensitive probe, able to encompass wide IR regions, is the key to access the strongest ro-vibrational transitions for most of simple molecules Such a tool could provide new insights in elusive quantum-mechanical effects encoded in molecules[20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27] and open new perspectives for all applied fields relying on trace molecule detection. Linewidth narrowing is achieved by using the OFCS as a transfer oscillator in a phase-lock scheme Such a source could be a suitable probe for coherent control and metrology of ultracold molecular ensembles[28]
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