Synthetic Microwave-Rate Microcombs
Abstract
The benefits of frequency-comb technology, in terms of time and frequency precision, are now well known and leveraged in an ever-expanding portfolio of applications ranging from RF-photonics and optical communications to quantum networking, time transfer and remote synchronization. However, to date traditional frequency comb technology (based on optical fiber) has largely been restricted to laboratory environments due to high system complexity, limited robustness to environmental perturbation, and the cost, size, weight, and power (C-SWaP) requirements necessary for mobile deployment. Microresonator-based Kerr-combs are compact devices that offer a new robust and compact platform for generating combs. However, these microcombs favor operation at ultrahigh speeds faster than photodetectors and microwave electronics can respond, limiting the ability to leverage them for precision time and frequency applications. The objective of this research is to develop microwave-rate, phase-stable microcombs by exploiting and empowering nonlinear optics and dispersion engineering. In particular, we propose to develop novel networks of Kerr resonators to circumvent current limitations in generating stabilized optical frequency combs on a chip-scale platform. Finally, this collaboration aims to transition microcomb technology from NIST and CU-Boulder into an AFRL Technical Directorate, where the technology can be further matured with an eye to DoD-relevant parameters and objectives.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 12, 2021
- Source ID
- FA95502010004
Entities
People
- Scott B. Papp
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Regents of the University of Colorado
- United States Air Force