Andrea Blanco Redondo

Abstract

The University of Central Florida invention is a technology that offers high tunability for supporting a wide range of applications, from molecular detection and sensing to telecommunications. The UCF tunable broadband optical comb laser source significantly extends the power and functionality of laser emitters while eliminating the need for laser microcomb resonator architecture.

Traditionally, on-chip laser emitters use a single narrow-linewidth laser and a miniature circular resonator, known as a microcomb. While such systems allow for reasonably wide bandwidth coverage (100s of nanometers), the discrete lines are relatively fixed in their wavelength/frequency. Major drawbacks include low tunability, low power, and inefficient wavelength conversion.

As a solution, the UCF invention employs integrated photonic fabrication technology that allows for incredibly low size, weight, and power while providing advanced functionality. The application space for this technology is vast and includes precision measurement, molecular detection, multispectral lidar, and many others.

Technical Details: In one example embodiment of the invention, two lasers are symmetrically placed in frequency between two zero-dispersion (ZDW) points. New laser lines are created via four-wave mixing (FWM) at a spacing given by the original offset frequency between the two pump lasers. The new laser lines then repeat the process, creating lines that further expand the spectrum. With optimized pumps and dispersion, the process can continue until the cascaded four-wave mixing (CFWM) spectrum covers a large extent. Depending on parameters, such as the peak power of the pumps, dispersion of the waveguide, and the absorption spectrum of the nanophotonic medium, spectral content greater than one octave can be achieved, e.g., greater than 1000-2000 nm.

Partnering Opportunity: The research team is seeking partners for licensing, research collaboration, or both.

Benefit