435 research outputs found
Modelocked mid-infrared frequency combs in a silicon microresonator
Mid-infrared (mid-IR) frequency combs have broad applications in molecular
spectroscopy and chemical/biological sensing. Recently developed
microresonator-based combs in this wavelength regime could enable portable and
robust devices using a single-frequency pump field. Here, we report the first
demonstration of a modelocked microresonator-based frequency comb in the mid-IR
spanning 2.4 {\mu}m to 4.3 {\mu}m. We observe high pump-to-comb conversion
efficiency, in which 40% of the pump power is converted to the output comb
power. Utilizing an integrated PIN structure allows for tuning the silicon
microresonator and controling modelocking and cavity soliton formation,
simplifying the generation, monitoring and stabilization of mid-IR frequency
combs via free-carrier detection and control. Our results significantly advance
microresonator-based comb technology towards a portable and robust mid-IR
spectroscopic device that operates at low pump powers.Comment: 8 pages, 5 figure
- …