Hybrid Integrated Dual-Microcomb Source

Dual-comb interferometry is based on self-heterodyning two optical frequency combs, with correspond-ing mapping of the optical spectrum into the radio-frequency domain. The dual comb enables diverse applications, including metrology, fast high-precision spectroscopy with high signal-to-noise ratio, dis-tance ranging, and coherent optical communications. However, current dual-frequency-comb systems are designed for research applications and typically rely on scientific equipment and bulky mode-locked lasers. Here we demonstrate a fully integrated power-efficient dual-microcomb source that is electrically driven and allows turnkey operation. Our implementation uses commercially available components, including distributed-feedback and Fabry-Perot laser diodes, and silicon-nitride photonic circuits with microres-onators fabricated in commercial multiproject wafer runs. Our devices are therefore unique in terms of size, weight, power consumption, and cost. Laser-diode self-injection locking relaxes the requirements on microresonator spectral purity and Q factor, so that we can generate soliton microcombs resilient to thermal frequency drift and with pump-to-comb sideband efficiency of up to 40% at mW power levels. We demonstrate down-conversion of the optical spectrum from 1400 to 1700 nm into the radio-frequency domain, which is valuable for fast wide-band Fourier spectroscopy, which was previously not available with chip-scale devices. Our findings pave the way for further integration of miniature microcomb-based sensors and devices for high-volume applications, thus opening up the prospect of innovative products that redefine the market of industrial and consumer mobile and wearable devices and sensors.

Automated summary

Dual-comb interferometry is a method that converts the optical spectrum into the radio-frequency domain using self-heterodyning two optical frequency combs. It has diverse applications including metrology, spectroscopy, distance ranging, and optical communications. Current systems rely on scientific equipment and bulky mode-locked lasers, but this study demonstrates a power-efficient dual-microcomb source that is fully integrated and electrically driven, providing a more compact and cost-effective solution.