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Supercontinuum Fourier transform spectrometry with balanced detection on a single photodiode
Vasily V Goncharov1, Gregory E Hall1
1Division of Chemistry, Department of Energy and Photon Sciences, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York 11973, USA.
The Journal of Chemical Physics
|September 3, 2016
Summary
We developed a novel balanced detection method for Fourier transform spectroscopy using a single detector and a supercontinuum light source. This technique significantly reduces noise in broadband light, enabling sensitive measurements.
Area of Science:
- Spectroscopy
- Optical Engineering
- Photonics
Background:
- Fourier transform spectrometers (FTS) are powerful tools for spectral analysis.
- Conventional balanced detection in FTS requires two matched photodetectors, adding complexity and cost.
- Instability in supercontinuum light sources can limit measurement precision.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a novel dual-beam balanced detection method for FTS.
- To reduce relative intensity noise (RIN) in broadband light using a single detector.
- To enable real-time correction of spectral instabilities in supercontinuum sources.
Main Methods:
- Combining a supercontinuum light source with a commercial FTS.
- Implementing phase-sensitive detection on a single photodetector for dual-beam balanced detection.
- Exploiting the time structure of the supercontinuum source to interleave signal and reference pulses.
Main Results:
- Achieved a 40 dB reduction in relative intensity noise for broadband light.
- Demonstrated real-time correction for spectral structure instability.
- Proof-of-principle experiment successfully measured weak absorption in the 1500-1600 nm range.
Conclusions:
- The novel single-detector balanced detection method is effective for noise reduction in FTS.
- This technique is compatible with commercial spectrometers and supercontinuum sources.
- The method offers a simpler and potentially more cost-effective approach to high-precision spectroscopy.
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