On the phase noise performance of microwave and millimeter-wave signals generated with versatile Kerr optical frequency combs

Integrated optical frequency comb for 5G NR Xhauls

We experimentally demonstrate the use of optical frequency combs (OFCs), generated by a photonic integrated circuit (PIC), in a flexible optical distribution network based on fiber-optics and free-space optics (FSOs) links, aimed at the fifth generation of mobile network (5G) Xhauls. The Indium Phosphide (InP) monolithically integrated OFC is based on cascaded optical modulators and is broadly tunable in terms of operating wavelength and frequency spacing. Particularly, our approach relies on applying the PIC in a centralized radio access network (C-RAN) architecture, with the purpose of optically generating two low-phase noise mm-waves signals for simultaneously enabling a 12.5-km of single-mode fiber (SMF) fronthaul and a 12.5-km SMF midhaul, followed by a 10-m long FSO fronthaul link. Moreover, the demonstrator contemplates two 10-m reach 5G wireless access networks operating in the 26 GHz band, i.e. over the frequency range 2 (FR2) from the 5G NR standard. The proposed integrated OFC-based 5G system performance is in accordance to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Release 15 requirements, achieving a total wireless throughput of 900 Mbit/s.

Fluctuations and correlations in Kerr optical frequency combs with additive Gaussian noise

We investigate the effects of environmental stochastic fluctuations on Kerr optical frequency combs. This spatially extended dynamical system can be accurately studied using the Lugiato-Lefever equation, and we show that when additive noise is accounted for, the correlations of the modal field fluctuations can be determined theoretically. We propose a general theory for the computation of these field fluctuations and correlations, which is successfully compared to numerical simulations.

Terahertz wave generation using a soliton microcomb

The Terahertz or millimeter wave frequency band (300 GHz - 3 THz) is spectrally located between microwaves and infrared light and has attracted significant interest for applications in broadband wireless communications, space-borne radiometers for Earth remote sensing, astrophysics, and imaging. In particular optically generated THz waves are of high interest for low-noise signal generation. Here, we propose and demonstrate stabilized terahertz wave generation using a microresonator-based frequency comb (microcomb). A unitravelling-carrier photodiode (UTC-PD) converts low-noise optical soliton pulses from the microcomb to a terahertz wave at the soliton's repetition rate (331 GHz). With a free-running microcomb, the Allan deviation of the Terahertz signal is 4.5×10^-9 at 1 s measurement time with a phase noise of -72 dBc/Hz (-118 dBc/Hz) at 10 kHz (10 MHz) offset frequency. By locking the repetition rate to an in-house hydrogen maser, in-loop fractional frequency stabilities of 9.6×10^-15 and 1.9×10^-17 are obtained at averaging times of 1 s and 2000 s respectively, indicating that the stability of the generated THz wave is limited by the maser reference signal. Moreover, the terahertz signal is successfully used to perform a proof-of-principle demonstration of terahertz imaging of peanuts. Combining the monolithically integrated UTC-PD with an on-chip microcomb, the demonstrated technique could provide a route towards highly stable continuous terahertz wave generation in chip-scale packages for out-of-the-lab applications. In particular, such systems would be useful as compact tools for high-capacity wireless communication, spectroscopy, imaging, remote sensing, and astrophysical applications.

On the transition to secondary Kerr combs in whispering-gallery mode resonators

We demonstrate that extended dissipative structures in Kerr-nonlinear whispering-gallery mode resonators undergo a spatiotemporal instability, as the pumping parameters are varied. We show that the dynamics of the patterns beyond this bifurcation yield specific Kerr comb and sub-comb spectra that can be subjected to a phase of frequency-locking when optimal conditions are met. Our numerical results are found to be in agreement with experimental measurements.

High-performance millimeter-wave synergetic optoelectronic oscillator with regenerative frequency-dividing oscillation technique

A novel millimeter-wave synergetic optoelectronic oscillator based on regenerative frequency-dividing oscillation and phase-locking techniques is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The regenerative frequency-dividing oscillator is embedded for millimeter-wave frequency division, and then synergistically oscillates with the optoelectronic oscillator (OEO) due to injection-locking effect. The phase-locking stabilization technique is skillfully utilized in millimeter-wave OEO via commercial analog phase shifter. As a result, a 40-GHz signal is generated featuring low phase noise, high stability and low spurs. The single-sideband phase noise is about -117 dBc/Hz at 10-kHz offset frequency and the spurious suppression ratio reaches more than 80 dBc. The measured overlapping Allan deviation of the proposed synergetic OEO reaches lower than 10^-13 at 1024-s averaging time, which is five orders of magnitude lower than free-running millimeter-wave OEO.

Two-dimensional spatiotemporal complexity in dual-delayed nonlinear feedback systems: Chimeras and dissipative solitons

We demonstrate for a photonic nonlinear system that two highly asymmetric feedback delays can induce a variety of emergent patterns which are highly robust during the system's global evolution. Explicitly, two-dimensional chimeras and dissipative solitons become visible upon a space-time transformation. Switching between chimeras and dissipative solitons requires only adjusting two system parameters, demonstrating self-organization exclusively based on the system's dynamical properties. Experiments were performed using a tunable semiconductor laser's transmission through a Fabry-Pérot resonator resulting in an Airy function as nonlinearity. Resulting dynamics were bandpass filtered and propagated along two feedback paths whose time delays differ by two orders of magnitude. An excellent agreement between experimental results and the theoretical model given by modified Ikeda equations was achieved.

A taxonomy of optical dissipative structures in whispering-gallery mode resonators with Kerr nonlinearity

In this paper, the research related to the formation of optical dissipative structures in Kerr-nonlinear whispering-gallery mode resonators pumped with continuous-wave lasers is reviewed. Pattern formation in these systems can be analysed using the paradigmatic Lugiato-Lefever model, which is a partial differential equation ruling the dynamics of the intra-cavity laser field. Various dissipative structures such as Turing rolls, solitons, breathers and spatio-temporal chaos can emerge in the resonator depending on the laser power and frequency. The bifurcation analysis enables a classification of these patterns, and also permits identification of their basins of attraction.This article is part of the theme issue 'Dissipative structures in matter out of equilibrium: from chemistry, photonics and biology (part 1)'.

Photonic Generation of High Power, Ultrastable Microwave Signals by Vernier Effect in a Femtosecond Laser Frequency Comb

Optical frequency division of an ultrastable laser to the microwave frequency range by an optical frequency comb has allowed the generation of microwave signals with unprecedently high spectral purity and stability. However, the generated microwave signal will suffer from a very low power level if no external optical frequency comb repetition rate multiplication device is used. This paper reports theoretical and experimental studies on the beneficial use of the Vernier effect together with the spectral selective filtering in a double directional coupler add-drop optical fibre ring resonator to increase the comb repetition rate and generate high power microwaves. The studies are focused on two selective filtering aspects: the high rejection of undesirable optical modes of the frequency comb and the transmission of the desirable modes with the lowest possible loss. Moreover, the conservation of the frequency comb stability and linewidth at the resonator output is particularly considered. Accordingly, a fibre ring resonator is designed, fabricated, and characterized, and a technique to stabilize the resonator's resonance comb is proposed. A significant power gain is achieved for the photonically generated beat note at 10 GHz. Routes to highly improve the performances of such proof-of-concept device are also discussed.

Effect of crystalline family and orientation on stimulated Brillouin scattering in whispering-gallery mode resonators

Ultra-high Q whispering-gallery mode resonators pumped by a continuous-wave laser are known to enhance stimulated Brillouin scattering when optimal resonance and phase-matching conditions are met. In crystalline resonators, this process depends critically on the crystal orientation and family, which impose the elastic constants defining the velocity of the acoustic waves. In this article, we investigate the effect of crystalline orientation and family on this velocity which is proportional to the Brillouin frequency down-shift. In particular, the study is based on the development of a model and numerical simulations of acoustic wave velocities that propagate along the periphery of four fluoride crystals, namely calcium, magnesium, lithium and barium fluoride. We find that depending on the crystal and its orientation, the frequency excursion around the Brillouin offset can vary from few tens of kHz to more than a GHz.

Optimization of primary Kerr optical frequency combs for tunable microwave generation

We analyze the condition under which Kerr combs generate the highest microwave output power after photodetection. These optimal comb states correspond to configurations in which the sidemode-to-pump ratio is the highest possible. For the case of primary combs, we show how the interplay between the power and frequency of the pump laser critically influences this ratio, which has a direct influence on the phase noise performance of the generated microwaves. We also experimentally demonstrate primary combs with a sidemode-to-pump ratio as high as -2  dB, thereby leading to efficient energy conversion from the lightwave to the microwave frequency range.