Simulation Frequency Combs: Quadratic Solutions for Generation of Few-Cycles
Abstract
In the past decade, solitons forming due to the Kerr nonlinearity in resonators have revolutionized the prospects for realization of compact frequency comb sources and utilization of them in numerous applications. Extending such a concept to mid- and long-wave infrared is of immense interest for molecular sensing applications. However, Kerr-soliton frequency combs have strict requirements on the pump source and the resonator which obscure the path for achieving them far away from the near-infrared spectral window. Solitons based on strong quadratic nonlinearities, however, promise a fundamentally different path suitable for generation of ultrashort-pulse frequency combs in the long-wavelength portion of the optical spectrum. Specifically, the recent discovery of temporal simultons in resonators, which are quadratic soliton pairs separated by an octave in spectrum, enables a path for generation of soliton frequency combs one octave away from the pump laser. This project explores a fundamentally new regime of nonlinear light-matter interactions and aims to advance our understanding of quadratic solitons to lay the foundation for revolutionary advances toward realization of compact few-cycle frequency combs in the mid- and long-wave infrared. The research combines experimental, theoretical, and numerical investigations of ultrafast nonlinear optics in a broad spectral range from 3 to 12 ?m. The project leverages well-developed near-infrared lasers as the pump, and explores table-top nonlinear resonators using bulk crystals and micro-chip-scale nonlinear waveguides and resonators. The project can lead to unprecedented opportunities toward compact low-cost sources of shortpulse frequency combs in the mid- and long-wave infrared with low power requirements which can revolutionize our molecular sensing capabilities.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 12, 2021
- Source ID
- FA95502010040
Entities
People
- Alireza Marandi
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- California Institute of Technology
- United States Air Force