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Interleaved Difference Frequency Generation for Microcomb Spectral Densification in the Mid-Infrared

April 22, 2020

Research Overview

Postdoctoral Fellow, Chengying Bao, is a member of a research team that developed a new technique for the generation of mid-IR frequency combs called interleaved difference-frequency generation (iDFG). The results of this study have been summarized in the publication, "Interleaved Difference-Frequency Generation for Microcomb Spectral Densification in the Mid-Infrared". The iDFG technique is a meaningful step towards more compact and possibly chip-based mid-IR gas spectroscopy modules, that can be used in methane emission measurement and chemical threat detection.

Scientific Achievement

We introduce a new technique for the generation of integrable mid-IR frequency combs: interleaved difference-frequency generation (iDFG).

Experimental scheme towards integrated low repetition rate mid-IR combs using iDFG

Significance and Impact

The new iDFG method for narrow line spacing mid-IR comb generation can be integrated and used in methane emission measurement and chemical threat detection.

Generation of mid-IR frequency combs with GHz line spacing using iDFG.

Technical Details

Near-IR soliton used for both lightwave and microwave oscillators
Soliton and electro-optical combs together with PPLN can be integrated, enabling compact comb modules and mass production
Agile control of the line spacing in mid-IR

Chengying Bao, Zhiquan Yuan, Heming Wang, Lue Wu, Boqiang Shen, Keeyoon Sung, Stephanie Leifer, Qiang Lin, and Kerry Vahala, "Interleaved difference-frequency generation for microcomb spectral densification in the mid-infrared," Optica 7, 309-315 (2020) https://doi.org/10.1364/OPTICA.382992

Contact: Kerry Vahala