Optical Frequency Synthesizer Comb Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical synthesizers are limited by size, cost, and power requirements, making them unsuitable for large-scale applications, and micro-resonators struggle to achieve fine comb tooth spacing and self-referencing with high laser power.
Innovation Solution
An optical frequency synthesizer utilizing two optical frequency combs with a fine and coarse comb, where the coarse comb is self-referenced to set the frequency offset, and the fine comb is locked to a radio frequency reference, allowing for fine tuning over a wide range with reduced laser power requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional mode-locked laser based optical frequency combs are used for self-referenced optical synthesis, then accurate and stable optical output over a wide range is achieved, but the device size becomes large (refrigerator-sized) and power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single optical frequency comb system into two separate combs: a fine comb with narrow spacing for precise frequency control and a wide comb with broader spacing for wide tuning range. This segmentation allows each comb to be optimized independently, enabling accurate optical synthesis with reduced power requirements compared to traditional single-comb systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a microwave reference signal as an intermediary to lock the fine comb's frequency spacing. This intermediary provides a stable reference that enables precise optical frequency control without requiring the high power levels needed for traditional self-referenced combs, thus reducing overall power consumption while maintaining accuracy
2Use of energy by stationary object
If micro-resonators are used to reduce power consumption, then power requirements decrease, but the ability to control fine comb tooth spacing while being excited with laser power in excess of 1 watt is lost, preventing self-referencing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the comb functions by using a fine comb for precise frequency control at low power and a wide comb for broad tuning range. The fine comb can be controlled with much less than 1 watt power, while the wide comb provides the necessary span for self-referencing, thus achieving both low power consumption and versatile tuning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the fine comb by locking its frequency spacing to a microwave reference signal. This parameter change allows the fine comb to achieve stable, precise frequency control at low power levels, overcoming the limitation of micro-resonators that cannot maintain fine spacing control at high power levels required for self-referencing
3Device complexity
If a single optical frequency comb is used for both wide tuning range and fine frequency control, then simplicity is maintained, but the device remains large and power-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single-comb system into two specialized combs: a fine comb for precise frequency control and a wide comb for broad tuning range. This segmentation enables each comb to operate at optimized power levels, with the fine comb requiring much less power, thus reducing overall power consumption while maintaining system functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional system where the fine comb provides precise frequency control and the wide comb provides broad tuning range and self-referencing capability. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve accurate optical synthesis across a wide range without requiring a single large, power-consuming comb, thus reducing overall power consumption
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
Enables accurate and stable optical output with fine tuning resolution over a wide range while significantly reducing power requirements, making it suitable for large-scale applications.
Implementation Method 1
fine optical frequency comb and coarse optical frequency comb generated by mode-locked laser sources
Implementation Method 2
an optical frequency synthesizer based on two optical frequency combs... having a fine tuning resolution over a wide tuning range
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments herein provide for an optical frequency synthesizer including a coarse optical frequency comb (104), a fine optical frequency comb (102), and an output laser (26). The coarse comb is pumped with a first pump laser, and an absolute frequency of at least one tooth (112) of the coarse optical frequency comb is set. The fine comb is pumped with a second pump laser and has a frequency spacing between teeth that is locked to a fractional or integer multiple of a radio frequency reference. Initially, the second pump laser is locked to a first tooth of the coarse optical frequency comb. The optical frequency synthesizer can be tuned by sweeping the second pump laser and locking the second pump laser to a desired tooth. An output signal can then be generated with the output laser based on a tooth (16) of fine comb after the second pump is locked to the desired tooth.