New approaches for optical spectroscopy: radiocarbon, satellites, and frequency combs?

David Long

Material Measurement Laboratory at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

Abstract: I will discuss our recent efforts in developing new methods and approaches for optical metrology. I will focus primarily on two major efforts in the laboratory: optical radiocarbon (14C) measurements and the development of multiplexed direct optical frequency comb spectrometers. We have recently demonstrated the detection and quantification of 14CO2 at and below ambient levels (<1.2 parts-per-trillion) through the use of cavity ring-down spectroscopy in the mid-infrared spectral region. These measurements as well as the development of electro-optic frequency combs for trace gas detection will be described. Finally, I will detail ongoing efforts in optical lineshape metrology with applications to remote sensing efforts such as the Orbiting Carbon Observatory (OCO-2) and the Total Carbon Column Observing Network (TCCON).