Kerr combs in tapered fiber resonators

The optical frequency comb is a Nobel prize winning technology with applications across science and engineering. The recently developed Kerr frequency comb offers a low-SWaP (size, weight and power) alternative to existing mode-locked laser systems. However, conventional Kerr-combs are unable to operate at visible wavelengths and require expensive, laboratory-grade lasers to drive them. We aim to address these challenges by developing an entirely new type of Kerr-comb source – the tapered fiber resonator.

Conventional high-performance Kerr-combs rely on the formation of dissipative Kerr cavity solitons – ultra-short pulses of light that retain both their shape and amplitude as they circulate around a driven optical cavity. These soliton-combs require anomalous dispersion, which cannot currently be achieved in the visible using conventional resonator platforms. Our proposed tapered optical fiber cavity, with its sub-micron dimensions, will enable us to achieve anomalous dispersion, and in turn, stable soliton-comb generation at visible wavelengths. Additionally, we aim to further optimise this platform by developing methods for self-injection-locked operation that will permit comb formation using only low-cost commercial laser diode chips. This exciting new comb platform offers a direct route to the generation of soliton Kerr-combs in the visible, with immediate potential for new applications.

Funding Notes:

This is a 3 year funded PhD project that will pay the student's University of Auckland fees, and stipend of 35,000 NZD/year.