Single-mode dispersive waves and soliton microcomb dynamics

• Published in: Nature communications 2017-03, Vol.8 (1), p.14869-14869, Article 14869
• Main Authors: Yi, Xu, Yang, Qi-Fan, Zhang, Xueyue, Yang, Ki Youl, Li, Xinbai, Vahala, Kerry
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 639/624/1111/1112; 639/624/400/1118; 639/624/400/385; Humanities and Social Sciences; multidisciplinary; Science; Science (multidisciplinary); Spectrum analysis
• ISSN: 2041-1723; 2041-1723
• DOI: 10.1038/ncomms14869

Dissipative Kerr solitons are self-sustaining optical wavepackets in resonators. They use the Kerr nonlinearity to both compensate dispersion and offset optical loss. Besides providing insights into nonlinear resonator physics, they can be applied in frequency metrology, precision clocks, and spectroscopy. Like other optical solitons, the dissipative Kerr soliton can radiate power as a dispersive wave through a process that is the optical analogue of Cherenkov radiation. Dispersive waves typically consist of an ensemble of optical modes. Here, a limiting case is studied in which the dispersive wave is concentrated into a single cavity mode. In this limit, its interaction with the soliton induces hysteresis behaviour in the soliton’s spectral and temporal properties. Also, an operating point of enhanced repetition-rate stability occurs through balance of dispersive-wave recoil and Raman-induced soliton-self-frequency shift. The single-mode dispersive wave can therefore provide quiet states of soliton comb operation useful in many applications. Dissipative Kerr solitons in microresonators have recently been shown to generate frequency combs via Cherenkov radiation. Here, Yi et al . demonstrate hysteresis behaviour and a single-mode dispersive wave that can improve the stability of microcombs.