Dr. Mahmood Bagheri of Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Modern spectroscopic systems can accurately measure the real-time dynamics of mixed atomic and molecular species at very low concentration, assuming the availability of a broadband source in the relevant wavelength band with high spectral resolution and fast acquisition time. Recent experiments using multi-heterodyne frequency-comb Fourier-transform spectroscopy (also called dual-comb spectroscopy) have demonstrated that precisely-spaced spectral lines of an optical frequency comb (OFC) can be harnessed to rapidly and sensitively acquire highly multiplexed molecular spectra.  This talk will summarize JPL’s effort on development of a compact, broadband optical frequency comb in the 3-5 μm wavelength range and its integration into a multi heterodyne frequency comb spectroscopy system. The prospects for selective and simultaneous interrogation of multiple absorption features of key molecules relevant to future planetary explorations will be also discussed..

Biography:

Mahmood Bagheri is a member of technical staff at the JPL’s Microdevices Lab. His research efforts are focused on innovations in photonic devices to enable the availability, or advance the performance of science instruments in the areas of spectroscopy, optical communications, and metrology.  Recently, he has demonstrated the first Electrically pumped mid-IR optical frequency combs in the mid-IR and is the PI for development of a dual frequency spectrometer for future planetary explorations. He joined JPL in 2011 and has a PhD in Electrical Engineering from the University of Southern California.