Modeling the Dynamics, Stability and Tunability of Optical Frequency Combs
Abstract
The development of sources of ultrashort light pulses has had major scientific impact. It has enabled direct observation of some of the fastest processes in nature, along with studies of matter under extreme conditions. Frequency combs have become especially important in recent years as they can now be produced in high-Q microresonators that are highly robust and compact. The envisioned uses of these devices are ever growing, spanning spectroscopy applications to time standards. In practice, experimental results and achievements have far outstripped theoretical modeling of microresonator devices. Indeed, there is growing experimental literature of innovative new applications of the technology in microwave generation, waveform synthesis, optical atomic clocks, and optical communications. A considerable global effort is also underway to engineer the performance and control of the microresonators. To aid in the technological goals and developments of frequency comb generation, improved theoretical models and computational schemes are now required. The goal is to build upon recent theoretical models involving the Lugiato-Lefever model and recent conjectures about its relation to Kuramoto oscillators for comb line interactions. Simulations can partner naturally with experiment to help in the design and optimization process of performance metrics. Good computational models can also explore new parameter regimes at a fraction of the expense and effort of developing an experimental protocol for that regime. As such, the goal of this work is to collaborate with experimentalists to construct quantitatively accurate models of frequency comb generation that can faithfully characterize the dynamics, stability, and coherence of microresonator comb lines. Further, it is our goal to help determine physically realizable controllers capable of stabilizing and optimizing performance.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- May 02, 2017
- Source ID
- FA95501710200
Entities
People
- Jose Kutz
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- United States Air Force
- University of Washington