The time-programmable frequency comb and its use in quantum-limited ranging

Two decades after its invention, the classic self-referenced frequency comb laser is an unrivalled ruler for frequency, time and distance metrology owing to the rigid spacing of its optical output(1,2). As a consequence, it is now used in numerous sensing applications that require a combination of high bandwidth and high precision(3-5). Many of these applications, however, are limited by the trade-offs inherent in the rigidity of the comb output and operate far from quantum-limited sensitivity. Here we demonstrate an agile programmable frequency comb where the pulse time and phase are digitally controlled with +/- 2-attosecond accuracy. This agility enables quantum-limited sensitivity in sensing applications as the programmable comb can be configured to coherently track weak returning pulse trains at the shot-noise limit. To highlight its capabilities, we use this programmable comb in a ranging system, reducing the required power to reach a given precision by about 5,000-fold compared with a conventional dual-comb system. This enables ranging at a mean photon per pulse number of 1/77 while retaining the full accuracy and precision of a rigid frequency comb. Beyond ranging and imaging(6-12), applications in time and frequency metrology(1,2,5,13-23), comb-based spectroscopy(24-32), pump-probe experiments' and compressive sensing(34-35) should benefit from coherent control of the comb-pulse time and phase.

Automated summary

The classic self-referenced frequency comb laser is widely used in frequency, time, and distance metrology for its rigid spacing of optical output. However, limitations arise in sensing applications due to the fixed nature of the comb output. In this study, we demonstrate an agile programmable frequency comb that allows for digitally controlled pulse time and phase, enabling quantum-limited sensitivity in sensing applications.