Compact Optical Frequency Comb Source for Advanced Coherent Communication System

Inspired by the revolutionary advances in optical frequency combs development, expected to be 100 times more accurate than today’s best time-keeping system, this project specifically targets ultrafast optical clocks in integrated forms. The possibility to mass-produce and miniaturize these sources with the current CMOS manufacturing platform would not only impacts optical communication and metrology, but could promote a ground-breaking photonic transition of electronic microprocessors, offering a viable way of generating and controlling optical signals on chip. This project will define novel paradigms for optical clockworks in micro-cavities by exploiting the nonlinear interaction of multiple cavities. Specifically, the primary objective is the generation of a large bandwidth, coherent comb based on the harmonic pumping of a CMOS compatible microcavity. Such source will be explored as an ultra-compact, low power consumption source for coherent optical communication, tailored for the requirement of the next generation of optical transmissions. The support of the Amonics Ltd, Hong-Kong based company and leader in the sector of optical amplifier, clearly witness the potential commercial appeal of this project. In long-term, this activity will improve the competitiveness of the Hong Kong photonics industry at the international level through the development of IP for cost-effective photonics ultrafast sources.