Phase steps and resonator detuning measurements in microresonator frequency combs.

Area of Science:

• Nonlinear optics
• Quantum optics
• Microresonator physics

Background:

• Kerr-effect induced optical frequency comb generation in microresonators is advancing.
• However, the complex nonlinear dynamics of these systems are not fully understood.
• Accurate modeling requires knowledge of comb mode phase, amplitude, and detuning from resonator modes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present comprehensive measurements that fully characterize optical microcomb states.
• To introduce a method for measuring resonator dispersion and comb mode detuning in a hot resonator during frequency comb generation.
• To investigate the phase properties of generated optical frequency combs.

Main Methods:

• Utilized experimental and theoretical modeling approaches.
• Developed a novel measurement technique for characterizing microcomb states in situ.
• Focused on measuring resonator dispersion and comb mode detuning in a high-temperature environment.

Main Results:

• Successfully characterized optical microcomb states comprehensively.
• Introduced a method to measure resonator dispersion and comb mode detuning in a hot resonator.
• Observed unpredicted comb states with discrete π and π/2 steps in comb phases.
• These phase behaviors differ from conventional optical frequency combs.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a comprehensive characterization of optical microcomb states.
• The presented measurement technique offers new insights into microcomb dynamics.
• The discovery of discrete phase steps challenges existing models and opens new avenues for research in nonlinear dynamics and optical frequency comb generation.