We present and characterize a two-dimensional (2D) imaging spectrometer based on a virtually imaged phased array (VIPA) disperser for rapid, high-resolution molecular detection using mid-infrared (MIR) frequency combs at 3.1 and 3.8 μm. We demonstrate detection of ${\mathrm{CH}}_4$ at 3.1 μm with $>3750$ resolution elements spanning $>80\mathrm{nm}$ with $\sim 600\mathrm{MHz}$ resolution in a $<10\mathrm{\mu s}$ acquisition time. In addition to broadband detection, we also demonstrate rapid, time-resolved single-image detection by capturing dynamic concentration changes of ${\mathrm{CH}}_4$ at a rate of $\sim 375$ frames per second. Changes in absorption above the noise floor of $5\times {10}^{-4}$ are readily detected on the millisecond time scale, leading to important future applications such as real-time monitoring of trace gas concentrations and detection of reactive intermediates.

© 2012 Optical Society of America

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