Direct link between microwave and optical frequencies with a 300 THz femtosecond laser comb

Asymmetric Magnon Frequency Comb

We theoretically show the asymmetric spin wave transmission in a coupled waveguide-skyrmion structure, where the skyrmion acts as an effective nanocavity allowing the whispering gallery modes for magnons. The asymmetry originates from the chiral spin wave mode localized in the circular skyrmion wall. By inputting two-tone excitations and mixing them in the skyrmion wall, we observe a unidirectional output magnon frequency comb propagating in the waveguide with a record number of teeth (>50). This coupled waveguide-cavity structure turns out to be a universal paradigm for generating asymmetric magnon frequency combs, where the cavity can be generalized to other magnetic structures that support the whispering gallery mode of magnons. Our results advance the understanding of the nonlinear interaction between magnons and magnetic textures and open a new pathway to exploring the asymmetric spin wave transmission and to steering the magnon frequency comb.

Rydberg atom electric field sensing for metrology, communication and hybrid quantum systems

Rydberg atoms-based electric field sensing has developed rapidly over the past decade. A variety of theoretical proposals and experiment configurations are suggested and realized to improve the measurement metrics, such as intensity sensitivity, bandwidth, phase, and accuracy. The Stark effect and electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) or electromagnetically induced absorption (EIA) are fundamental physics principles behind the stage. Furthermore, various techniques such as amplitude- or frequency-modulation, optical homodyne read-out, microwave superheterodyne and frequency conversion based on multi-wave mixing in atoms are utilized to push the metrics into higher levels. In this review, different technologies and the corresponding metrics they had achieved were presented, hoping to inspire more possibilities in the improvement of metrics of Rydberg atom-based electric field sensing and broadness of application scenarios.

Picojoule-level supercontinuum generation in thin-film lithium niobate on sapphire

We demonstrate ultraviolet-to-mid-infrared supercontinuum generation (SCG) inside thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) on sapphire nanowaveguides. This platform combines wavelength-scale confinement and quasi-phasematched nonlinear interactions with a broad transparency window extending from 350 to 4500 nm. Our approach relies on group-velocity-matched second-harmonic generation, which uses an interplay between saturation and a small phase-mismatch to generate a spectrally broadened fundamental and second harmonic using only a few picojoules of in-coupled fundamental pulse energies. As the on-chip pulse energy is increased to tens of picojoules, these nanowaveguides generate harmonics up to the fifth order by a cascade of sum-frequency mixing processes. For in-coupled pulse energies in excess of 25 picojoules, these harmonics merge together to form a supercontinuum spanning 360-2660 nm. We use the overlap between the first two harmonic spectra to detect f-2f beatnotes of the driving laser directly at the waveguide output, which verifies the coherence of the generated harmonics. These results establish TFLN-on-sapphire as a viable platform for generating ultra-broadband coherent light spanning from the ultraviolet to mid-infrared spectral regions.

General framework for ultrafast nonlinear photonics: unifying single and multi-envelope treatments [Invited]

Numerical modeling of ultrashort pulse propagation is important for designing and understanding the underlying dynamical processes in devices that take advantage of highly nonlinear interactions in dispersion-engineered optical waveguides. Once the spectral bandwidth reaches an octave or more, multiple types of nonlinear polarization terms can drive individual optical frequencies. This issue is particularly prominent in χ(2) devices where all harmonics of the input pulse are generated and there can be extensive spectral overlap between them. Single-envelope approaches to pulse propagation have been developed to address these complexities; this has led to a significant mismatch between the strategies used to analyze moderate-bandwidth devices (usually involving multi-envelope models) and those used to analyze octave-spanning devices (usually involving models with one envelope per waveguide mode). Here we unify the different strategies by developing a common framework, applicable to any optical bandwidth, that allows for a side-by-side comparison between single- and multi-envelope models. We include both χ(2) and χ(3) interactions in these models, with emphasis on χ(2) interactions. We show a detailed example based on recent supercontinuum generation experiments in a thin-film LiNbO3 on sapphire quasi-phase-matching waveguide. Our simulations of this device show good agreement between single- and multi-envelope models in terms of the frequency comb properties of the electric field, even for multi-octave-spanning spectra. Building on this finding, we explore how the multi-envelope approach can be used to develop reduced models that help build physical insights about new ultrafast photonics devices enabled by modern dispersion-engineered waveguides, and discuss practical considerations for the choice of such models. More broadly, we give guidelines on the pros and cons of the different modeling strategies in the context of device design, numerical efficiency, and accuracy of the simulations.

Single-shot dynamics of dual-comb generation in a polarization-multiplexing fiber laser

Dual optical frequency combs have been a recurrent case of study over the last decade due to their wide use in a variety of metrology applications. Utilizing a single cavity laser to generate a dual comb reduces system complexity and facilitates suppression of common noise. However, a dual-comb regime in single cavity lasers tends to be more unstable and difficult to achieve. Therefore, having a better understanding about the way they are generated could improve and automate their generation and control. In this paper, we investigate the build-up dynamics and collision of dual comb in a polarization-multiplexing ring-cavity fiber laser using DFT (Dispersive Fourier Transform) method. We observe a bunch of meta-stable short-lived mode-locking states before the laser entered the dual-comb mode-locking state. The energy level of this short-lived initial pulses determines its evolution. If it decreases too much, the pulse will eventually collapse while if it stays above certain level, it will be successfully generated. The results presented in this paper increase the understanding of dual-comb generation inside a single cavity laser and may contribute in future attempts to increase the stabilization of this regime.

Time/frequency-domain characterization of a mid-IR DFG frequency comb via two-photon and heterodyne detection

Mid-infrared frequency combs are nowadays well-appreciated sources for spectroscopy and frequency metrology. Here, a comprehensive approach for characterizing a difference-frequency-generated mid-infrared frequency comb (DFG-comb) both in the time and in the frequency domain is presented. An autocorrelation scheme exploiting mid-infrared two-photon detection is used for characterizing the pulse width and to verify the optimal compression of the generated pulses reaching a pulse duration (FWHM) as low as 196 fs. A second scheme based on mid-infrared heterodyne detection employing two independent narrow-linewidth quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) is used for frequency-narrowing the modes of the DFG-comb down to 9.4 kHz on a 5-ms timescale.

Subspace tracking for phase noise source separation in frequency combs

It is widely acknowledged that the phase noise of an optical frequency comb primarily stems from the common mode (carrier-envelope) and the repetition rate phase noise. However, owing to technical noise sources or other intricate intra-cavity factors, residual phase noise components, distinct from the common mode and the repetition rate phase noise, may also exist. We introduce a measurement technique that combines subspace tracking and multi-heterodyne coherent detection for the separation of different phase noise sources. This method allows us to break down the overall phase noise sources associated with a specific comb-line into distinct phase noise components associated with the common mode, the repetition rate and the residual phase noise terms. The measurement method allow us, for the first time, to identify and measure residual phase noise sources of a frequency modulated mode-locked laser.

Passively CEP stable sub-2-cycle source in the mid-infrared by adiabatic difference frequency generation

We report on the generation of a passive carrier-envelope phase (CEP) stable 1.7-cycle pulse in the mid-infrared by adiabatic difference frequency generation. With sole material-based compression, we achieve a sub-2-cycle 16-fs pulse at a center wavelength of 2.7 µm and measured a CEP stability of <190 mrad root mean square. The CEP stabilization performance of an adiabatic downconversion process is characterized for the first time, to the best of our knowledge.

Control of Frequency Combs with Passive Resonators

Tailored optical frequency combs are generated by nesting passive etalons within mode-locked oscillators. In this work, the oscillator generates a comb of 6.8 GHz with 106 MHz side-bands. This tailored comb results from the self-synchronized locking of two cavities with precision optical frequency tuning. In this manuscript, it is demonstrated that these combs can be precisely predicted utilizing a temporal ABCD matrix method and precise comb frequency tuning by scanning over the D1 transition line of 87Rb and observing the fluorescence.

Absolute Frequency Readout of Cavity against Atomic Reference

Future space-based geodesy missions such as the Mass Change Mission and the Next Generation Gravity Mission are expected to rely on laser ranging as their primary instrument. Short-term laser frequency stability has previously been achieved on the GRACE Follow On mission by stabilizing the lasers to an optical cavity. The development of a technique to provide long-term laser frequency stability is expected to be required. We have previously demonstrated a technique to track long-term frequency changes by using measurements of the optical cavity’s free spectral range. In this paper, we calibrate this technique to absolute frequency by using an atomic reference. We have also validated an approach for on-ground calibration to allow the absolute frequency to be determined whilst in orbit.

Versatile optical frequency combs based on multi-seeded femtosecond optical parametric generation

This study proposes and demonstrates a versatile method for near- and mid-infrared optical frequency comb generation using multi-seeded femtosecond optical parametric generation. The method allows one to divide the repetition rate by an arbitrarily large integer factor, freely tune the offset frequency, and adjust the common phase offset of the comb modes. Since all possible degrees of freedom are adjustable, the proposed method manifests itself as versatile optical frequency synthesis.

Real-time distance and velocity measurement based on the dual-comb system

With the development of laser metrology, the dual-comb system has natural superiority in the measuring fields. Specifically, distance and velocity represent a basic state for the target in space. We propose an application mode of the dual-comb interferometry integrated into the field programmable gate array. A high-speed parallel processor truly gives full play to the benefit of the data processing rate. The algorithm of the peak extraction and the address matching also bring an efficient working mode into the whole scheme. To verify the performance of this system, we devise a series of experiments for distance and velocity, respectively. The data processing rate of the distance is 425 Hz and that of the corresponding average velocity is 0.425 Hz, which is flexible for different measuring conditions. The experimental results show that the difference can be well within 252.8 µm at 5 m range and 284.9 µm/s over 0.5 m/s.

Hybridized Frequency Combs in Multimode Cavity Electromechanical System

The cavity electromechanical devices with radiation-pressure interaction induced Kerr-like nonlinearity are promising candidates to generate microwave frequency combs. We construct a silicon-nitride membrane based superconducting cavity electromechanical device and study two mechanical modes synergistic frequency combs. Around the threshold of intracavity field instability, we first show independent frequency combs with tooth spacing equal to each mechanical mode frequency. At the overlap boundaries of these two individual mechanical mode mediated instability thresholds, we observe hybridization of frequency combs based on the cavity field mediated indirect coupling between these two mechanical modes. The spectrum lines turn out to be unequally spaced, but can be recognized in combinations of the coexisting frequency combs. Beyond the boundary, the comb reverts to the single mode case, and which mechanical mode frequency will the tooth spacing be depends on the mode competition. Our work demonstrates mechanical mode competition enabled switchability of frequency comb tooth spacing and can be extended to other devices with multiple nonlinearities.

Evolution of the frequency-comb structure and coherence from a Keldysh multiphoton into a tunneling regime

We present a theoretical study of the characteristics of the frequency-comb structure and coherence via high-order harmonic generation (HHG) driven by the laser pulse trains when the ionization process is pushed from Keldysh multiphoton into tunneling regime. HHG is obtained by solving accurately the time-dependent Schrödinger equation by means of the time-dependent generalized pseudospectral method. We find that the nested comb structures are formed from each harmonic order in the Keldysh multiphoton ionization regime. But it is severely suppressed or even disappeared in the Keldysh tunneling ionization regime. It implies that the temporal coherence of the emitted frequency comb modes is very sensitive to the Keldysh ionization regime. To understand the evolution of frequency-comb structure and coherence, we perform the calculation of the time-dependent ionization probability and the spectral phase of frequency-comb HHG. We find that the frequency-comb HHG driven by the laser pulse trains in the Keldysh multiphoton regime has a good coherence because the ionization probability of the atom driven by each laser pulse is stable, leading to a phase-coherent frequency-comb structure rather than those cases in the Keldysh tunneling regime with high laser intensity. Our results shed light on current interest and significance to the experimental realization of controllable and frequency-comb vacuum-ultraviolet light sources.

Tunable Extraordinary Optical Transmission with Graphene in Terahertz

Tunable extraordinary optical transmission (EOT) with graphene is realized using a novel metallic ring-rod nested structure in the terahertz frequency regime. The generated double-enhanced transmission peaks primarily originate from the excitation of localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs). On using graphene, the resonating surface plasmon distribution changes in the reaction plane, which disturbs the generation of LSPRs. By regulating the Fermi energy (E _f) of the graphene to reach a certain level, an adjustment from bimodal EOT to unimodal EOT is obtained. As the E _f of the graphene integrated beneath the rod increases to 0.5 eV, the transmittance of the peak at 2.42 THz decreases to 6%. Moreover, the transmission peak at 1.77 THz virtually disappears due to the E _f increasing to 0.7 eV when the graphene is placed beneath the ring. The significant tuning capabilities of the bimodal EOT indicate its promising application prospects in frequency-selective surfaces, communication, filtering, and radar.

Coherent Nonlinear Spectroscopy with Multiple Mode-Locked Lasers

Coherent multidimensional spectroscopy has been widely used to study the structure and dynamics of chemical and biological systems. Each ultrashort pulse from a single mode-locked laser is split into multiple pulses by beam splitters. Their arrival times at a given molecular sample are controlled with mechanical time-delay generators for time-resolved measurements of molecular responses. Such nonlinear vibrational, electronic, or vibrational-electronic spectroscopy can now be carried out with multiple mode-locked lasers with highly stabilized repetition and sometimes carrier-envelope-offset frequencies. By precisely controlling the repetition frequencies of multiple mode-locked lasers, one can achieve automatic delay time scanning, known as asynchronous optical sampling, to investigate various relaxation processes associated with photochemical or photobiological phenomena at one sweep in time. In this Perspective, the current developments and applications of multiple mode-locked laser-based techniques to time-resolved nonlinear spectroscopy of chromophores in condensed phases are discussed. The author's perspective on this approach is also presented.

Orthogonalizing the control of frequency combs for optical clockworks

Frequency combs play a crucial supporting role for optical clocks by allowing coherent frequency division of their output signals into the electronic domain. This task requires stabilization of the comb's offset frequency and of an optical comb mode to the clock laser. However, the two actuators used to control these quantities often influence both degrees of freedom simultaneously. This non-orthogonality leads to artificial limits to the control bandwidth and unwanted noise in the comb. Here, we orthogonalize the two feedback loops with a linear combination of the measured signals in a field-programmable gate array. We demonstrate this idea using a fiber frequency comb stabilized to a clock laser at 259 THz, half the frequency of the ¹S₀→³P₀ Yb transition. The decrease in coupling between the loops reduces the comb's optical phase noise by 20 dB. This approach could improve the performance of any comb stabilized to any optical frequency standard.

High-performance, compact optical standard

We describe a high-performance, compact optical frequency standard based on a microfabricated Rb vapor cell and a low-noise, external cavity diode laser operating on the Rb two-photon transition at 778 nm. The optical standard achieves an instability of 1.8×10^-13τ^-1/2 for times less than 100 s and a flicker noise floor of 1×10^-14 out to 6000 s. At long integration times, the instability is limited by variations in optical probe power and the ac Stark shift. The retrace was measured to 5.7×10^-13 after 30 h of dormancy. Such a simple, yet high-performance optical standard could be suitable as an accurate realization of the meter or, if coupled with an optical frequency comb, as a compact atomic clock comparable to a hydrogen maser.

White Laser Realized via Synergic Second- and Third-Order Nonlinearities

White laser with balanced performance of broad bandwidth, high average and peak power, large pulse energy, high spatial and temporal coherence, controllable spectrum profile, and overall chroma are highly desirable in various fields of modern science. Here, for the first time, we report an innovative scheme of harnessing the synergic action of both the second-order nonlinearity (2^nd-NL) and the third-order nonlinearity (3^rd-NL) in a single chirped periodically poled lithium niobate (CPPLN) nonlinear photonic crystal driven by a high-peak-power near-infrared (NIR) (central wavelength~1400 nm, energy~100 μJ per pulse) femtosecond pump laser to produce visible to near infrared (vis-NIR, 400-900 nm) supercontinuum white laser. The CPPLN involves a series of reciprocal-lattice bands that can be exploited to support quasiphase matching for simultaneous broadband second- and third-harmonic generations (SHG and THG) with considerable conversion efficiency. Due to the remarkable 3^rd-NL which is due to the high energy density of the pump, SHG and THG laser pulses will induce significant spectral broadening in them and eventually generate bright vis-NIR white laser with high conversion efficiency up to 30%. Moreover, the spectral profile and overall chroma of output white laser can be widely modulated by adjusting the pump laser intensity, wavelength, and polarization. Our work indicates that one can deeply engineer the synergic and collective action of 2^nd-NL and 3^rd-NL in nonlinear crystals to accomplish high peak power, ultrabroadband vis-NIR white laser and hopefully realize the even greater but much more challenging dream of ultraviolet-visible-infrared full-spectrum laser.

Efficient type II second harmonic generation in an indium gallium phosphide on insulator wire waveguide aligned with a crystallographic axis

We theoretically and experimentally investigate type II second harmonic generation in III-V-on-insulator wire waveguides. We show that the propagation direction plays a crucial role and that longitudinal field components can be leveraged for robust and efficient conversion. We predict that the maximum theoretical conversion is larger than that of type I second harmonic generation for similar waveguide dimensions and reach an experimental conversion efficiency of 12%/W, limited by the propagation loss.

Direct Observation of Terahertz Frequency Comb Generation in Difference-Frequency Quantum Cascade Lasers

Terahertz quantum cascade laser sources based on intra-cavity difference frequency generation from mid-IR devices are an important asset for applications in rotational molecular spectroscopy and sensing, being the only electrically pumped device able to operate in the 0.6–6 THz range without the need of bulky and expensive liquid helium cooling. Here we present comb operation obtained by intra-cavity mixing of a distributed feedback laser at λ = 6.5 μm and a Fabry–Pérot device at around λ = 6.9 μm. The resulting ultra-broadband THz emission extends from 1.8 to 3.3 THz, with a total output power of 8 μW at 78 K. The THz emission has been characterized by multi-heterodyne detection with a primary frequency standard referenced THz comb, obtained by optical rectification of near infrared pulses. The down-converted beatnotes, simultaneously acquired, confirm an equally spaced THz emission down to 1 MHz accuracy. In the future, this setup can be used for Fourier transform based evaluation of the phase relation among the emitted THz modes, paving the way to room-temperature, compact, and field-deployable metrological grade THz frequency combs.

Nanometric Precision Distance Metrology via Hybrid Spectrally Resolved and Homodyne Interferometry in a Single Soliton Frequency Microcomb

Laser interferometry serves a fundamental role in science and technology, assisting precision metrology and dimensional length measurement. During the past decade, laser frequency combs-a coherent optical-microwave frequency ruler over a broad spectral range with traceability to time-frequency standards-have contributed pivotal roles in laser dimensional metrology with ever-growing demands in measurement precision. Here we report spectrally resolved laser dimensional metrology via a free-running soliton frequency microcomb, with nanometric-scale precision. Spectral interferometry provides information on the optical time-of-flight signature, and the large free-spectral range and high coherence of the microcomb enable tooth-resolved and high-visibility interferograms that can be directly read out with optical spectrum instrumentation. We employ a hybrid timing signal from comb-line homodyne, microcomb, and background amplified spontaneous emission spectrally resolved interferometry-all from the same spectral interferogram. Our combined soliton and homodyne architecture demonstrates a 3-nm repeatability over a 23-mm nonambiguity range achieved via homodyne interferometry and over 1000-s stability in the long-term precision metrology at the white noise limits.

Advanced time-resolved absorption spectroscopy with an ultrashort visible/near IR laser and a multi-channel lock-in detector

Ultrashort visible-near infrared (NIR) pulse generation and its applications to ultrafast spectroscopy are discussed. Femtosecond pulses of around 800 nm from a Ti:sapphire laser are used as a pump of an optical parametric amplifier (OPA) in a non-collinear configuration to generate ultrashort visible (500-780 nm) pulses and deep-ultraviolet (DUV, 259-282 nm) pulses. The visible-NIR pulses and DUV pulses were compressed to 3.9 fs and 10.4 fs, respectively, and used to elucidate various ultrafast dynamics in condensed matter with a sub-10 fs resolution by pump-probe measurements. We have also developed a 128-channel lock-in amplifier. The combined system of the world-shortest visible pulse from the OPA and the lock-in amplifier with the world-largest channel-number can clarify the sub-10 fs-dynamics in condensed matter. This system clarified structural changes in an excited state, reaction intermediate, and a transition state. This is possible even during molecular vibration and reactions via a real-time-resolved vibronic spectrum, which provides molecular structural change information. Also, ultrafast dynamics in exotic materials like carbon nanotubes, topological insulators, and novel solar battery systems have been clarified. Furthermore, the carrier-envelope phase in the ultrashort pulse has been controlled and measured.

Multiwavelength Frequency Modulated CW Ladar: The Effect of Refractive Index

Frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) laser detection and ranging is a technique for absolute distance measurements with high performances in terms of resolution, non-ambiguity range, accuracy and fast detection. It is based on a simple experimental setup, thus resulting in cost restraint with potential wide spread, not only limited to research institutions. The technique has been widely studied and improved both in terms of experimental setup by absolute reference or active stabilization and in terms of data analysis. Very recently a multi-wavelength approach has been exploited, demonstrating high precision and non ambiguity range. The variability of refractive index along the path was not taken into account with consequent degradation of range accuracy. In this work we developed a simple model able to take into account refractive index effect in multi-wavelength FMCW measurement. We performed a numerical simulation in different atmospheric conditions of temperature, pressure, humidity and CO2 concentration showing a net improvement of range accuracy when refractive index modeling is used.

Photonic Flywheel in a Monolithic Fiber Resonator

We demonstrate the first compact photonic flywheel with sub-fs time jitter (averaging times up to 10  μs) at the quantum-noise limit of a monolithic fiber resonator. Such quantum-limited performance is accessed through novel two-step pumping scheme for dissipative Kerr soliton generation. Controllable interaction between stimulated Brillouin lasing and Kerr nonlinearity enhances the DKS coherence and mitigates the thermal instability challenge, achieving a remarkable 22-Hz intrinsic comb linewidth and an unprecedented phase noise of -180  dBc/Hz at 945-MHz carrier at free running. The scheme can be generalized to various device platforms for field-deployable precision metrology.

Effects of two weak continuous-wave triggers on picosecond pulse pumped supercontinuum generation

The promising advancement of supercontinuum generation in optical fibers has initiated significant interest in recent research studies and several continuing applications. We numerically corroborate the effects of picosecond pulse pumped supercontinuum (SC) by using two weak continuous-wave (CW) triggers with 1% pump intensity. Compared with SC with one CW trigger, adding two CW triggers (1% pump power), both near the modulation instability peaks, can achieve wider spectra for a picosecond pulse pumped SC. Furthermore, good coherence properties may be achieved in the wavelength range from 1300-2000 nm when one CW trigger is near the pump center wavelength and the other CW trigger is distant from the pump. In our simulations, putting two CW triggers on the same side (concerning the pump wavelength) or putting them on different sides have similar effects on SC spectral and temporal coherence properties. Therefore, by engineering the wavelengths of two CW triggers to offer better bandwidth or coherence, we envision that the proposed technique could play a significant role in the generation of SC.

Broadband high-resolution microwave frequency measurement based on photonic undersampling via using three cavity-less optical pulse sources with coprime repetition rates

A photonic-assisted broadband and high-resolution microwave frequency measurement scheme is proposed and demonstrated based on undersampling via using three cavity-less optical pulse sources with coprime repetition rates. After undersampling by three ultrashort pulse trains with repetition rates in the order of gigahertz, input microwave signal is down-converted to three intermediate-frequency (IF) signals located in the first Nyquist frequency range. Through measuring the frequencies of the IF signals via fast Fourier transform after digitization by the commercially available analog-to-digital convertors, the input microwave signal frequency can be retrieved based on the frequency identification algorithm. In the proof-of-concept experiment, three ultrashort pulse trains with repetition rates of 2.99, 3.07, and 3.10 GHz are generated by a cavity-less optical pulse source, where the pulse widths are 9.5, 9.6, and 9.8 ps, respectively. Through using these three ultrashort optical pulse trains, a frequency measurement range up to 40 GHz is realized, where the frequency measurement error is less than ±5kHz, and the spurious-free dynamic range is 91.25dBcHz^2/3.

Optical frequency combs: Coherently uniting the electromagnetic spectrum

Optical frequency combs were introduced around 20 years ago as a laser technology that could synthesize and count the ultrafast rate of the oscillating cycles of light. Functioning in a manner analogous to a clockwork of gears, the frequency comb phase-coherently upconverts a radio frequency signal by a factor of [Formula: see text] to provide a vast array of evenly spaced optical frequencies, which is the comb for which the device is named. It also divides an optical frequency down to a radio frequency, or translates its phase to any other optical frequency across hundreds of terahertz of bandwidth. We review the historical backdrop against which this powerful tool for coherently uniting the electromagnetic spectrum developed. Advances in frequency comb functionality, physical implementation, and application are also described.

Hertz-level frequency comparisons between diverse color lasers without a frequency comb

We present a simple yet powerful technique to measure and stabilize the relative frequency noise between two lasers emitting at vastly different wavelengths. The noise of each laser is extracted simultaneously by a frequency discriminator built around an unstabilized Mach-Zehnder fiber interferometer. Our protocol ensures that the instability of the interferometer is canceled and yields a direct measure of the relative noise between the lasers. As a demonstration, we measure the noise of a 895 nm diode laser against a reference laser located hundreds of nm away at 1561 nm. We also demonstrate the ability to stabilize the two lasers with a control bandwidth of 100 kHz using a Red Pitaya and reach a sensitivity of 1Hz²/Hz limited by detector noise. We independently verify the performance using a commercial frequency comb. This approach stands as a simple and cheap alternative to frequency combs to transport frequency stability across large spectral intervals or to characterize the noise of arbitrary color sources.

High performance quantum cascade laser frequency combs at λ ∼ 6 μm based on plasmon-enhanced dispersion compensation

We demonstrate quantum cascade laser (QCL) optical frequency combs emitting at λ ∼ 6 μm. A 5.5 μm-wide, 4.5 mm-long laser exhibits comb operation from -20 °C up to 50 °C. A maximum output power of 300 mW is achieved at 50 °C showing a robustness of the system. The laser output spectrum is ∼80 cm^-1 wide at the maximum current, with a mode spacing of 0.334 cm^-1, resulting in a total of 240 modes with an average power of 0.8 mW per mode. To achieve frequency comb operation, a plasmonic-waveguide approach is utilized. A thin, highly-doped indium phosphide (InP) layer is inserted in the top cladding design to compensate the positive dispersion of the system (material and waveguide). This approach can be further exploited to design QCL combs at even shorter wavelengths, down to 4 μm. Different ridge widths between 2.8 and 5.5 μm have been fabricated and characterized. All of the devices exhibit frequency comb operation. These observations demonstrate that the plasmonic-waveguide is a robust and reliable method for dispersion compensation of a semiconductor laser systems to achieve frequency comb operation.

Area-coding method in frequency comb profilometry fused with optical interferometry for measuring centimeter-depth objects with nanometer accuracy

Area coding masks in a frequency comb profilometer (FCP) based on a single-pixel imaging architecture are introduced for measuring a practical metal object that has weaker reflection than a specular object does. In such a case, it is important to increase the intensity of the encoded object light on the photodetector area because a photodiode operated at a high frequency of more than 1 GHz is generally small. The area-coding masks can concentrate more light on the focal point compared with random-coding masks that are commonly used. The increased intensity also increases the number of pixels in the FCP, and consequently accurate matching is achieved between the data obtained by optical interferometry and the FCP data. It was demonstrated that the introduction of area-coding masks increased the detected light intensity and allowed us to measure a practical metal object with 16 times more sampling points.

Efficient second harmonic generation in nanophotonic GaAs-on-insulator waveguides

Nonlinear frequency conversion plays a crucial role in advancing the functionality of next-generation optical systems. Portable metrology references and quantum networks will demand highly efficient second-order nonlinear devices, and the intense nonlinear interactions of nanophotonic waveguides can be leveraged to meet these requirements. Here we demonstrate second harmonic generation (SHG) in GaAs-on-insulator waveguides with unprecedented efficiency of 40 W^-1 for a single-pass device. This result is achieved by minimizing the propagation loss and optimizing phase-matching. We investigate surface-state absorption and design the waveguide geometry for modal phase-matching with tolerance to fabrication variation. A 2.0 µm pump is converted to a 1.0 µm signal in a length of 2.9 mm with a wide signal bandwidth of 148 GHz. Tunable and efficient operation is demonstrated over a temperature range of 45 °C with a slope of 0.24 nm/°C. Wafer-bonding between GaAs and SiO₂ is optimized to minimize waveguide loss, and the devices are fabricated on 76 mm wafers with high uniformity. We expect this device to enable fully integrated self-referenced frequency combs and high-rate entangled photon pair generation.

Three-Dimensional Imaging by Frequency-Comb Spectral Interferometry

In this paper, we demonstrate a three-dimensional imaging system based on the laser frequency comb. We develop a compact, all-fiber mode-locked laser at 1 μm, whose repetition frequency can be tightly synchronized to the external frequency reference. The mode-locked state is achieved via the saturable absorber mirror in a linear cavity, and the laser output power can be amplified from 4 mW to 150 mW after a Yb-doped fiber amplifier. Three-dimensional imaging is realized via the spectral interferometry with the aid of an equal-arm Michelson interferometer. Compared with the reference values, the measurement results show the difference can be below 4 μm. Our system could provide a pathway to the real industry applications in future.

Compact and ultrastable photonic microwave oscillator

Frequency comb synthesized microwaves have been so far realized with tabletop systems, operated in well-controlled environments. Here, we demonstrate state-of-the-art ultrastable microwave synthesis with a compact rack-mountable apparatus. We present absolute phase noise characterization of a 12 GHz signal using an ultrastable laser at $\sim{194}\;{\rm THz}$∼194THz and an Er:fiber comb divider, obtaining $ - {83}\;{\rm dBc/Hz}$-83dBc/Hz at 1 Hz and $ \lt - {166}\;{\rm dBc/Hz}$<-166dBc/Hz for offsets greater than 5 kHz. Employing semiconductor coating mirrors for the same type of transportable optical frequency reference, we show that $ - {105}\;{\rm dBc/Hz}$-105dBc/Hz at 1 Hz is supported by demonstrating a residual noise limit of division and detection process of $ - {115}\;{\rm dBc/Hz}$-115dBc/Hz at 1 Hz. This level of fidelity paves the way for the deployment of ultrastable photonic microwave oscillators and for operating transportable optical clocks.

Intelligent control of mode-locked femtosecond pulses by time-stretch-assisted real-time spectral analysis

Mode-locked fiber lasers based on nonlinear polarization evolution can generate femtosecond pulses with different pulse widths and rich spectral distributions for versatile applications through polarization tuning. However, a precise and repeatable location of a specific pulsation regime is extremely challenging. Here, by using fast spectral analysis based on a time-stretched dispersion Fourier transform as the spectral discrimination criterion, along with an intelligent polarization search algorithm, for the first time, we achieved real-time control of the spectral width and shape of mode-locked femtosecond pulses; the spectral width can be tuned from 10 to 40 nm with a resolution of ~1.47 nm, and the spectral shape can be programmed to be hyperbolic secant or triangular. Furthermore, we reveal the complex, repeatable transition dynamics of the spectrum broadening of femtosecond pulses, including five middle phases, which provides deep insight into ultrashort pulse formation that cannot be observed with traditional mode-locked lasers.

Supercontinuum generation in angle-etched diamond waveguides

We experimentally demonstrate on-chip supercontinuum generation in the visible region in angle-etched diamond waveguides. We measure an output spectrum spanning 670-920 nm in a 5-mm-long waveguide using 100-fs pulses with 187 pJ of incident pulse energy. Our fabrication technique, combined with diamond's broad transparency window, offers a potential route toward broadband supercontinuum generation in the UV domain.

Fully phase-stabilized quantum cascade laser frequency comb

Miniaturized frequency comb sources across hard-to-access spectral regions, i.e. mid- and far-infrared, have long been sought. Four-wave-mixing based Quantum Cascade Laser combs (QCL-combs) are ideal candidates, in this respect, due to the unique possibility to tailor their spectral emission by proper nanoscale design of the quantum wells. We demonstrate full-phase-stabilization of a QCL-comb against the primary frequency standard, proving independent and simultaneous control of the two comb degrees of freedom (modes spacing and frequency offset) at a metrological level. Each emitted mode exhibits a sub-Hz relative frequency stability, while a correlation analysis on the modal phases confirms the high degree of coherence in the device emission, over different power-cycles and over different days. The achievement of fully controlled, phase-stabilized QCL-comb emitters proves that this technology is mature for metrological-grade uses, as well as for an increasing number of scientific and technological applications.

Comb segmentation spectroscopy for rapid detection of molecular absorption lines

We perform fast comb spectroscopy by dividing the probe comb into several sub-comb segments so as to produce multi-heterodyne beats focused around targeted molecular absorption lines. This concentrated scheme of comb spectroscopy is able to achieve a 30 dB signal-to-noise ratio with just a single shot measurement of 10 μs acquisition time. Such high signal sensitivity is verified by measuring separate absorption lines of H¹³C¹⁴N and ¹²CO₂ gases simultaneously. In addition, atmospheric ¹²CO₂ concentration over a 1.3 km open-air path is traced with a signal repeatability of 15 ppm at a 5 kHz update rate.

Octave-spanning supercontinuum generation in nanoscale lithium niobate waveguides

We demonstrate octave-spanning supercontinuum generation in unpoled lithium niobate waveguides, which are engineered to possess anomalous dispersion and pumped by a turn-key femtosecond laser centered at 1560 nm. Tunable dispersive waves and strong phase-matched second-harmonic generation are both observed by controlling the widths of the waveguides. The major features of the experimental spectra are reproduced by numerical modeling of the generalized nonlinear Schrödinger equation, which can be used to guide waveguide designs for tailoring the supercontinuum spectrum. Our results identify a path to a simple and integrable supercontinuum source in lithium niobate nanophotonic platform and will enable new capabilities in precision frequency metrology.

Coherent two-octave-spanning supercontinuum generation in lithium-niobate waveguides

We demonstrate coherent supercontinuum generation (SCG) in a monolithically integrated lithium-niobate waveguide, under the presence of second- and third-order nonlinear effects. We achieve more than two octaves of optical bandwidth in a 0.5-cm-long waveguide with 100-picojoule-level pulses. Dispersion engineering of the waveguide allows for spectral overlap between the SCG and the second harmonic, which enables direct detection of the carrier-envelope offset frequency f_CEO using a single waveguide. We measure the f_CEO of our femtosecond pump source with a 30-dB signal-to-noise ratio.

Low-noise millimeter-wave synthesis from a dual-wavelength fiber Brillouin cavity

In this Letter, a photonic system is proposed to generate millimeter waves with low phase noise and ultra-high frequency stability. By locking two free-running CW lasers to the same fiber cavity whose free-spectral range is actively stabilized, millimeter waves can be synthesized in a wide frequency range with fine-tuning capability. Exploiting the spectral narrowing effect of stimulated Brillouin scattering, the generated millimeter waves exhibit low phase noise that does not scale up as the frequency increases. In the experimental demonstration, up to ∼300  GHz millimeter waves are generated, with a phase noise of <-90  dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset limited by the local oscillator and an in-loop 60 min frequency RMS drift of 0.43 mHz. The output frequency of the system can be readily increased to sub-THz region by replacing one of the pump CW lasers.

Stable frequency dissemination over multi-access fiber loop link with optical comb

An optical comb based stable frequency dissemination system is proposed and experimentally demonstrated over a multi-access optical fiber loop link. In the system, a new technique based on optical-microwave phase locking loop is designed for phase compensation. In the experiment, a mode-locked fiber laser at a repetition rate of 100 MHz is used to provide an optical source at local site, then it transmits along a 150 km fiber loop link. To testify the proposed system, two accessing nodes are measured in the loop link. The dissemination frequency instability is measured at 3.65 × 10^-15/1 s and 7.8 × 10^-18/1000 s at the intermediate node. The similar performance is shown at the other node. Hence, the system has the potential application in high-precision frequency transmission system via a long-haul multi-access loop link.

Optical frequency combs from high-order sideband generation

We report on the generation of frequency combs from the recently-discovered phenomenon of high-order sideband generation (HSG). A near-band gap continuous-wave (cw) laser with frequency f_NIR was transmitted through an epitaxial layer containing GaAs/AlGaAs quantum wells that were driven by quasi-cw in-plane electric fields F_THz between 4 and 50 kV/cm oscillating at frequencies f_THz between 240 and 640 GHz. Frequency combs with teeth at f_sideband = f_NIR + nf_THz (n even) were produced, with maximum reported n > 120, corresponding to a maximum comb span > 80 THz. Comb spectra with the identical product f_THz × F_THz were found to have similar spans and shapes in most cases, as expected from the picture of HSG as a scattering-limited electron-hole recollision phenomenon. The HSG combs were used to measure the frequency and linewidth of our THz source as a demonstration of potential applications.

Carrier envelope offset detection via simultaneous supercontinuum and second-harmonic generation in a silicon nitride waveguide

We demonstrate a chip-scale f-2f interferometer for carrier-envelope-offset frequency (f_CEO) detection. This is enabled by simultaneously producing octave-spanning coherent supercontinuum generation and second-harmonic generation in a single dispersion-engineered silicon nitride waveguide. We measure the f_CEO beatnote of an 80 MHz modelocked pump source with a signal-to-noise ratio of 25 dB. Our simple approach for f-2f interferometry enables a straightforward route towards a chip-scale self-referenced frequency comb source that can operate at low pulse energies.

Coexisting frequency combs spaced by an octave in a monolithic quantum cascade laser

Quantum cascade lasers are proving to be instrumental in the development of compact frequency comb sources at mid-infrared and terahertz frequencies. Here we demonstrate a heterogeneous terahertz quantum cascade laser with two active regions spaced exactly by one octave. Both active regions are based on a four-quantum well laser design and they emit a combined 3 mW peak power at 15 K in pulsed mode. The two central frequencies are 2.3 THz (bandwidth 300 GHz) and 4.6 THz (bandwidth 270 GHz). The structure is engineered in a way that allows simultaneous operation of the two active regions in the comb regime, serving as a double comb source as well as a test bench structure for all waveguide internal self-referencing techniques. Narrow RF beatnotes (∼ 15 kHz) are recorded showing the simultaneous operation of the two combs, whose free-running coherence properties are investigated by means of beatnote spectroscopy performed both with an external detector and via self-mixing. Comb operation in a highly dispersive region (4.6 THz) relying only on gain bandwidth engineering shows the potential for broad spectral coverage with compact comb sources.

Frequency comb generation in a resonantly pumped exciton-polariton microring resonator

We develop a scheme for generation of a regular sequence of narrow spectral lines (optical frequency comb) in semiconductor micro-ring resonators operating in the strong-coupling regime. A strong optical nonlinearity of exciton-polaritons, forming as mixed states between the microcavity photons and quantum-well excitons, allows for a low-threshold operation. This work demonstrates visibility of using the exciton-polaritons for the purposes of generation of GHz combs and trains of picoseconds pulses for future all-polariton information processing schemes.