Efficient octave-spanning microcombs
Abstract
Soliton microcombs can provide coherent broadband combs of extreme relevance for improved timing distribution, navigation systems and the deployment of portable optical clocks. These applications require self-referencing, usually implemented in octave-spanning frequency combs. However, soliton microcombs exhibit an intrinsic low nonlinear conversion efficiency of typically <1% for a repetition rate of 100 GHz. This fundamental roadblock results into low power per line and limits practical applications of chip-scale systems, as off-chip bulk amplifiers are often required. In this project, we will investigate a novel architecture with two linearly coupled microresonators (a photonic molecule) that overcomes this fundamental impediment. Concretely, we will explore this concept to realize octave-spanning bandwidths (~1-2microm), aiming at > 10 % power conversion efficiency while maintaining a line spacing at 400 GHz in silicon nitride. We will investigate two alternative pump configurations, i.e., at 1.5microm and 1.0 microm. The latter would result into the first near-infrared power-efficient microcomb ever reported If successful, this will mark a pivotal change in precision, timing and navigation applications that require the highest available performance in terms of frequency stability in a chip-scale form factor.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Feb 05, 2025
- Source ID
- FA86552417060
Entities
People
- Victor Torres Company
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- United States Air Force