High resolution dual comb spectroscopy and ranging

The HIGHRES project aims to enhance dual comb spectroscopy and ranging by developing a novel technique that improves resolution by three orders of magnitude for applications in gas sensing and metrology.

Subsidie
€ 1.987.368
2024

Projectdetails

Introduction

Spectroscopy and metrology are amongst the most important applications of electromagnetic fields. The very fast oscillations of light (up to 200 THz in the infrared) permit very precise distance measurements as well as broadband analysis of radiations emitted and absorbed by matter.

Technological Evolution

The technologies have evolved tremendously over the years. At the turn of the century, a ground-breaking technology was proposed. By using two sources of optical pulse trains (corresponding to optical frequency combs in the spectral domain), no moving parts would be required, and much faster measurements could be performed.

Impact of Dual Comb Technology

So-called dual comb spectroscopy and ranging have had a very significant impact on their respective fields. They have established capabilities in terms of speed and accuracy that are still relevant today.

Existing Limitations

Yet some important limitations remain. Most importantly, there is a trade-off between resolution and acquisition time, which is currently treated as a fundamental limit of dual comb systems. This limitation prevents these systems from being used for:

  1. High resolution spectroscopy
  2. Long-distance ranging

These applications are critical for some fields, such as gas sensing or large-scale metrology.

Proposed Solution

In HIGHRES, I propose a novel technique that permits overcoming this fundamental limit. I expect it will improve the current state of the art by as much as three orders of magnitude in terms of resolution (or distance).

Project Plan

We will start with a theoretical analysis of the general principle we propose.

Next, we will build a dual comb source with unprecedented characteristics based on soliton formation in driven fiber resonators.

Finally, using this novel source, we will experimentally demonstrate two proof of principle applications that would greatly benefit from this novel technique, namely:

  1. THz spectroscopy
  2. Very long-distance ranging

Financiële details & Tijdlijn

Financiële details

Subsidiebedrag€ 1.987.368
Totale projectbegroting€ 1.987.368

Tijdlijn

Startdatum1-9-2024
Einddatum31-8-2029
Subsidiejaar2024

Partners & Locaties

Projectpartners

  • UNIVERSITE LIBRE DE BRUXELLESpenvoerder

Land(en)

Belgium

Vergelijkbare projecten binnen European Research Council

ERC Proof of...

Versatile optical frequency comb

We aim to develop a novel, tunable frequency comb device that merges existing technologies to enhance metrology and spectroscopy applications, with significant commercial potential.

€ 150.000
ERC Advanced...

Electro-optic frequency comb generation in the mid-infrared.

The project aims to develop compact, cost-effective mid-infrared spectroscopy systems using innovative frequency comb sources based on graded index Silicon Germanium photonics for environmental monitoring.

€ 2.426.034
ERC Starting...

Multi-messenger soft-field spectroscopy of molecular electronics at interfaces

SoftMeter aims to develop a novel soft-field spectroscopy method for real-time interrogation of molecular electronics, enhancing spatiotemporal resolution in complex systems.

€ 1.498.750
ERC Starting...

Chip-based room-temperature terahertz frequency comb spectrometers

This project aims to develop a chip-based, room-temperature THz spectroscopy system using mid-infrared laser frequency combs for enhanced imaging and sensing applications.

€ 1.499.995
ERC Proof of...

Versatile Integrated Brillouin-Kerr Frequency Combs for On-Chip Photonic Systems

Veritas aims to develop ultra-low noise chip-scale optical frequency combs using Brillouin optomechanics for advanced applications in 6G communications and quantum technologies.

€ 150.000

Vergelijkbare projecten uit andere regelingen

EIC Transition

MOde LOcKing for Advanced Sensing and Imaging)

The MOLOKAI project aims to develop chip-scale optical frequency combs for enhanced 3D imaging and sensing applications through collaboration and advanced integrated optics technology.

€ 2.522.500
EIC Transition

Universal frequency-comb platform for datacenter communications

The project aims to unify InAs/GaAs quantum-dot and microresonator-based comb lasers into a chip-scale platform to enhance datacom capacity and efficiency by 2028.

€ 2.499.998
EIC Transition

Chip-Scale Optical Frequency Combs for Communications and Sensing: A Toolkit for System Integration

CombTools aims to develop high-performance Kerr comb generators and signal processing tools, enabling commercial applications in optical communications and beyond through innovative silicon-nitride technology.

€ 2.523.585