Computational Doppler-limited dual-comb spectroscopy with a free-running all-fiber laser

Abstract

Dual-comb spectroscopy has emerged as an indispensable analytical technique in applications that require high resolution and broadband coverage within short acquisition times. Its experimental realization, however, remains hampered by intricate experimental setups with large power consumption. Here, we demonstrate an ultrasimple free-running dual-comb spectrometer realized in a single all-fiber cavity suitable for the most demanding Doppler-limited measurements. Our dual-comb laser utilizes just a few basic fiber components, allows us to tailor the repetition rate difference, and requires only 350 mW of electrical power for sustained operation over a dozen of hours. As a demonstration, we measure low-pressure hydrogen cyanide within 1.7 THz bandwidth and obtain better than 1% transmittance precision over a terahertz in 200 ms enabled by an all-computational phase retrieval and correction algorithm. The combination of the setup simplicity, comb tooth resolution, and high spectroscopic precision paves the way for proliferation of frequency comb spectroscopy on a larger scale.