Sub-GHz optical resolution mid-infrared hyperspectral imaging with dual-comb

High-performance hyperspectral imaging is becoming one of the most sought-after tools in the world today by providing a wide range of capabilities and applications. However, traditional systems have significant performance limitations, mainly related to the ability to resolve narrow spectral features and to detection sensitivity. With the aim of addressing these weaknesses, we present here the first hyperspectral dual-comb imaging system capable of providing sub-GHz (<0.033 cm-1) optical resolutions and fast acquisition rates in the mid-infrared region. The system has been experimentally demonstrated by analyzing methane at 2968 cm(-1) with optical resolutions of down to 300 MHz (0.01 cm-1) and time resolutions well into the sub-second range.