Resonator Laser Locking Across Diverse Wavelengths

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for phase locking lasers with diverse wavelengths are complex and expensive, particularly when using optical frequency combs, and are limited by the availability of high-frequency RF references.

Innovation Solution

Utilizing a resonator, such as a WGM or ring resonator, to lock two lasers to different modes, employing self-injection locking (SIL) or Pound-Drever-Hall (PDH) locking to stabilize the lasers to the level of cavity stability, allowing phase locking of lasers with significantly different wavelengths without the need for complex optical frequency combs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an optical frequency comb is used to lock each laser to comb harmonics, then the lasers are phase locked together, but the system becomes complex and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephase locking accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple laser frequencies into a single resonator system, where multiple lasers are locked to different harmonics of the same resonator. This eliminates the need for separate frequency combs for each laser, reducing system complexity while maintaining phase locking accuracy through the common resonator reference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The resonator serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a frequency reference for multiple lasers, provides phase locking for all lasers through its harmonics, and eliminates the need for separate frequency combs. This multi-functional approach reduces the overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If an optical frequency comb is used for phase locking, then lasers with diverse wavelengths can be locked, but the cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewavelength range coverageVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple laser wavelengths into a single resonator-based locking system. The resonator supports multiple harmonics that can lock different wavelength lasers simultaneously, eliminating the need for expensive optical frequency combs while maintaining adaptability across diverse wavelengths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The resonator harmonics serve as simplified copies of the frequency comb function. Instead of using expensive optical frequency combs, the patent uses the resonator's natural harmonic structure to provide phase locking references for multiple lasers at different wavelengths, achieving the same function at lower cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If conventional phase locking techniques are used, then lasers can be stabilized, but high-frequency RF references are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaser stabilityVSAvoidRF reference requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The resonator acts as an intermediary between the lasers and the phase locking mechanism. Instead of requiring high-frequency RF references to directly lock lasers, the resonator provides intermediate harmonic frequencies that facilitate phase locking, eliminating the need for complex high-frequency RF reference systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This approach provides a cost-effective and simplified method for phase locking lasers with diverse wavelengths, achieving stability comparable to cavity stability, suitable for miniaturized photonic integrated circuits (PICs).

Implementation Method 1

with the first laser locked to a first mode of the resonator using either self-injection locking (SIL) or Pound-Drever-Hall (PDH) locking

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSelf-injection locking:

Implementation Method 2

with the second laser locked to a second mode of to the resonator using either SIL or PDH locking

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPound-Drever-Hall locking:

Implementation Method 3

a resonator configured for receiving a portion of the first optical beam and a portion of the second optical beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS20250293482A1System and method for phase locking lasers with diverse wavelengths

Publication Date: 2025.09.18 OEWAVES INC

AI summary

A photonic system is described that employs, e.g., a first laser generating a first optical beam at a first wavelength and a second laser generating a second optical beam at a second, different wavelength. The photonic system also includes a resonator, e.g., a whispering gallery mode (WGM) resonator, configured to receive a portion of the first optical beam and a portion of the second optical beam. The first laser is locked to a first mode of the resonator using either self-injection locking (SIL) or Pound-Drever-Hall (PDH) locking. The second laser is also locked to a second mode of the resonator using either SIL or a PDH. The first and second wavelengths (frequencies) may differ from one another by a few gigahertz (GHz) or, e.g., larger than 10 terahertz (THz). The system thus allows diverse wavelengths to be locked to one another.