A closed-cycle flow cell system was designed and built for application in ultrafast laser spectroscopy. The system features small cycle volume of down to less than 200 mul, adjustable beam path length, and compatibility with a large variety of solvents. The construction principle is simple, reliable, and versatile. The thickness and material of the windows can be easily exchanged to meet different demands of femtosecond spectroscopy. The flow rate is sufficient to allow complete sample exchange for measurements with a kHz repetition rate. (C) 2003 American Institute of Physics.