Spectral extension and synchronization of microcombs in a single microresonator

Zhang S, Silver JM, Bi T, Del'Haye P (2020)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2020

Journal

Nature Communications Nature Publishing Group: Nature Communications

Book Volume: 11

Article Number: 6384

Journal Issue: 1

DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19804-8

Abstract

Broadband optical frequency combs are extremely versatile tools for precision spectroscopy, ultrafast ranging, as channel generators for telecom networks, and for many other metrology applications. Here, we demonstrate that the optical spectrum of a soliton microcomb generated in a microresonator can be extended by bichromatic pumping: one laser with a wavelength in the anomalous dispersion regime of the microresonator generates a bright soliton microcomb while another laser in the normal dispersion regime both compensates the thermal effect of the microresonator and generates a repetition-rate-synchronized second frequency comb. Numerical simulations agree well with experimental results and reveal that a bright optical pulse from the second pump is passively formed in the normal dispersion regime and trapped by the primary soliton. In addition, we demonstrate that a dispersive wave can be generated and influenced by cross-phase-modulation-mediated repetition-rate synchronization of the two combs. The demonstrated technique provides an alternative way to generate broadband microcombs and enables the selective enhancement of optical power in specific parts of a comb spectrum.

Authors with CRIS profile

Toby Bi Lehrstuhl für Experimentalphysik Pascal Del'Haye Lehrstuhl für Experimentalphysik (Optik)

Involved external institutions

Max-Planck-Institut für die Physik des Lichts (MPL) / Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light DE Germany (DE) The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) GB United Kingdom (GB)

How to cite

APA:

Zhang, S., Silver, J.M., Bi, T., & Del'Haye, P. (2020). Spectral extension and synchronization of microcombs in a single microresonator. Nature Communications, 11(1). https://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-19804-8

MLA:

Zhang, Shuangyou, et al. "Spectral extension and synchronization of microcombs in a single microresonator." Nature Communications 11.1 (2020).

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