3. Frequency drift microwave pulse spectrometer CP-FTMW

3.1 The need for evolution

Acquiring a spectrum over the entire spectral bandwidth of a Fourier transform microwave pulse spectrometer is a lengthy process: the spectrum scanning process requires a series of steps in which the cavity is precisely tuned to the resonant frequency, the signal is recorded and then the cavity is moved to the next position. This process is automated; nevertheless, the basic design of the spectrometer (mirror displacement, synchronization system, acquisition time) leads to a substantial experiment time.

A new technique using a frequency-drifting microwave pulse, CP (Chirped-Pulse), was developed in 2006 by Brooks H. Pate's group at the University of Virginia