Phase-shift feedback cavity ring-down spectroscopy

Phase-shift cavity-enhanced techniques have been used to measure optical losses with relatively simple electronics. Instead of measuring the phase shift, in this work the intensity modulation frequency is varied using feedback to keep the phase shift locked to a target value. The modulation frequency then becomes a signal from which cavity losses can be estimated. The technique is applied with a super luminescent diode to measure losses resulting from the addition of acetylene to a cavity containing nitrogen at ambient temperature and pressure. The technique, phase-shift feedback cavity ring down, is compared to phase-shift cavity ring-down spectroscopy.