Direct frequency comb cavity ring-down spectroscopy: Enhancing Sensitivity and Precision

Abstract: We present a novel approach to cavity ring-down spectroscopy utilizing an optical frequency comb as the direct probe of the Fabry-Perot cavity, coupled with a time-resolved Fourier transform spectrometer for parallel retrieval of ring-down events. Our method achieves high spectral resolution over a broad range, enabling precision measurements of cavity losses and absorption lineshapes with enhanced sensitivity. A critical advancement involves a stabilization technique ensuring complete extinction of comb light without compromising cavity stabilization. We demonstrate the capabilities of our system through precision spectroscopy of carbon monoxide rovibrational transitions perturbed by argon.