Directly pumped 10  GHz microcomb modules from low-power diode lasers.

Area of Science:

• Photonics and Optical Engineering
• Quantum Metrology

Background:

• Soliton microcombs are key for compact optical metrology and timing.
• Direct pumping of microcombs with semiconductor lasers simplifies system design and reduces power.
• Low-repetition-rate microcombs are needed but challenging to pump at low power.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate direct pumping of low-repetition-rate soliton microcombs using low-power diode lasers.
• To enable compact, low-power, and stable microcomb systems for optical metrology and timing.

Main Methods:

• Utilized high-Q silica microresonators for efficient low-power operation.
• Employed fiber-connectorized modules with integrated temperature control.
• Directly pumped 10 GHz repetition rate soliton microcombs with <20 mW diode lasers.

Main Results:

• Achieved direct pumping of 10 GHz soliton microcombs with low-power diode lasers.
• Demonstrated the feasibility of low-power operation for low-repetition-rate microcombs.
• Ensured long-term frequency stability through temperature-controlled packaging.

Conclusions:

• Low-power diode laser pumping is effective for 10 GHz soliton microcombs.
• This approach simplifies microcomb systems for optical metrology and timing.
• High-Q silica microresonators and temperature control enhance stability and performance.