Mid-infrared dual-comb spectroscopy with low drive-power on-chip sources

Two semiconductor optical frequency combs consuming less than 1 W of electrical power are used to demonstrate high-sensitivity mid-infrared dual-comb spectroscopy in the important 3-4 $\mu$m spectral region. The devices are 4 millimeters long by 4 microns wide, and each emits 8 mW of average optical power. The spectroscopic sensing performance is demonstrated by measurements of methane and hydrogen chloride with a spectral coverage of 33 cm$^{-1}$ (1 THz), 0.32 cm$^{-1}$ (9.7 GHz) frequency sampling interval, and peak signal-to-noise ratio of ~100 at 100 $\mu$s integration time. The monolithic design, low drive power, and direct generation of mid-infrared radiation are highly attractive for portable broadband spectroscopic instrumentation in future terrestrial and space applications.