Coupled Resonator Arrays for Incommensurate Optical Frequency Combs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for generating optical frequency combs using ring resonators with Kerr nonlinearity produce combs with equally spaced lines, limiting flexibility and efficiency in tuning the comb line spacing and tailoring the comb spectrum for specific applications.

Innovation Solution

Utilizing a two-dimensional array of coupled resonators with spatially varied coupling strengths operating in an anomalous floquet topological phase, generating an incommensurate optical frequency comb with irregularly spaced comb lines and topological edge states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional ring resonators with Kerr nonlinearity are used for comb generation, then the comb generation process is simple, but the comb line spacing cannot be tuned and the comb spectrum lacks flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomb spectrum tailoring flexibilityVSAvoidresonator array structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the comb generation system into multiple coupled ring resonators arranged in an array, where each resonator contributes to different comb lines. This segmentation allows independent control of coupling strengths between resonators to tune comb line spacing while maintaining overall system functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces spatially varied coupling strengths between adjacent resonators in the array, where each coupling interface has customized coupling coefficients. This local quality variation enables selective control over which comb lines are generated and their spacing, providing spectrum tailoring flexibility without requiring complete system redesign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If conventional comb generation methods are used, then the device structure is simple, but the efficiency of nonlinear processes is limited and comb line spacing cannot be optimized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenonlinear process efficiencyVSAvoidcoupled resonator array

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple ring resonators into a coupled array system where energy can be efficiently transferred between resonators through controlled coupling. This combining approach enhances nonlinear process efficiency by allowing pump energy to be distributed across multiple resonators that simultaneously generate different comb lines, rather than relying on a single resonator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamically tunable coupling strengths between resonators, allowing the coupling coefficients to be adjusted in real-time. This dynamic control enables optimization of energy transfer efficiency between resonators and tuning of comb line spacing according to specific application requirements, maximizing productivity while adapting to different operational conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If equal spacing of comb lines is achieved, then the comb generation is straightforward, but the ability to generate signals at different frequencies is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal generation frequency rangeVSAvoidcomb line spacing uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces asymmetric coupling strengths between adjacent resonators in the array, where the coupling coefficients are not uniform across all interfaces. This asymmetry breaks the uniform spacing of comb lines, enabling generation of comb lines at irregular frequency intervals. Consequently, the system can generate signals at multiple different frequencies simultaneously while maintaining phase coherence, expanding the adaptable frequency range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The incommensurate optical frequency comb is robust against defects and offers greater flexibility in generating signals at different frequencies, enabling ultra-low-noise RF signal generation and precise communication applications.

Implementation Method 1

coupled resonator arrays hosting edge states in multiple topological edge bands

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTopological edge states:

Implementation Method 2

operating in an anomalous floquet topological phase having topological edge states

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFloquet topological phase:

Implementation Method 3

using ring resonators with Kerr nonlinearity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectKerr nonlinearity: Kerr Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20260036868A1Incommensurate optical frequency combs generated using floquet topological coupled resonator arrays

Publication Date: 2026.02.05 NORTHEASTERN UNIV (US)

AI summary

The present disclosure provides an optical frequency comb source comprising a two-dimensional array of coupled resonators with spatially varied coupling strengths operating in an anomalous floquet topological phase having topological edge states appearing in all topological band gaps. The array generates, when pumped with radiation at a frequency corresponding to one of the topological edge states, an incommensurate optical frequency comb having multiple edge bands irregularly spaced in the frequency domain. The incommensurate optical frequency comb is associated with floquet topological soliton molecules circulating at an edge of the array. Methods of generating such optical frequency combs are also provided.