A short guide to recent developments in laser-based gas phase spectroscopy, applications, and tools

• DOI: 10.1063/5.0167683
• Publication Date: 2024-01-22T18:14:09Z
• Authors: V. Shumakova; O. H. Heckl
• Keywords: 104026 Spectroscopy; Lasers; 103021 Optics; 103016 Laser physics; Optical parametric oscillators; Doppler effect; 103016 Laserphysik; Precision measurements; TA1501-1820; 0103 physical sciences; Absorption line; 103021 Optik; Applied optics. Photonics; Frequency combs; Spectroscopy; 104026 Spektroskopie

This article provides an overview of laser-based absorption spectroscopy applications and discusses the parameter space and requirements of laser systems for each of these applications, with a special emphasis on frequency comb systems. We walk the reader through the basics of laser absorption spectroscopy, review common line-broadening mechanisms as fundamental challenges to precision spectroscopy, look into established solutions, introduce frequency-comb-based absorption spectroscopy, and suggest a novel approach to broadband precision spectroscopy in the mid-infrared spectral region based on a combination of broadband high-power ultra-stable optical frequency combs, crystalline supermirror technology, and an instrumental line-shape-free measurement technique. We conclude after an introduction of noise sources and their implications for precision measurements with an in-depth discussion and overview of the current state-of-the-art laser and optical parametric frequency conversion technologies.