Researchers at JILA, a joint institute of NIST and the University of Colorado Boulder, have developed a highly sensitive new tool for real-time chemical analysis using an infrared laser-based “frequency comb” technology. The technique, an adaptation of cavity ring-down spectroscopy, can identify trace levels of multiple molecules simultaneously, even in tiny gas samples.
The key innovation is using an optical frequency comb as both the light source and a precise ruler to measure interactions between light and molecules. This allows the system to analyze a broad range of frequencies (100 nm) with high sensitivity, resolution, and speed, far surpassing current methods.
Potential applications include chemistry labs, environmental monitoring, security screening, and medical diagnostics. The technology could provide unprecedented capabilities for detecting trace gases, identifying molecules, and monitoring chemical reactions in real-time.
The research is supported by multiple government agencies and has been patented. JILA scientists demonstrated the technique with various molecules, proving its ability to analyze complex gas mixtures and reveal spectral information below the limits of thermal motion.
Keywords: spectroscopy, frequency, metrology, resolution, bandwidth
