Mid-Infrared Frequency Comb Spectroscopy for Chemical Reaction Kinetics

The 2005 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded in part to John Hall and Theodor Hänsch for their development of optical frequency combs. As a simultaneously spectrally broadband and high-resolution light source, frequency comb lasers have been successfully implemented in a variety of scientific fields ranging from metrology to high resolution spectroscopy. In this talk, I will highlight the use of infrared frequency comb laser spectroscopy in chemical reaction kinetics and high-resolution spectroscopy, particularly as it pertains to studying gas-phase chemistry. I will give you an overview of frequency comb lasers, the design and implementation of a spatially dispersive infrared frequency comb spectrometer, and results from our newly built system.