Controlling photons in mesoscopic systems: Precision measurements in frequency combs and optomechanics

Abstract

Recent advances in sub-wavelength nanoscale platforms have afforded the control of light from first principles, with impact to optoelectronics and high-density secure communications. In this talk I will highlight two coherent examples where emerging mesoscopic systems can make a difference. Firstly, I will report on chip-scale Kerr frequency comb oscillators, where we have recently observed one of the shortest (74-fs) pulse mode-locking till date (Figure 1a) [1]. The frequency comb dynamics, evolution and coherent nature will be described. The CMOS-compatible frequency combs [2-5], including solitary pulses, have potential to link the RF and optical domains with low phase noise, with implications to precision optical clocks and ultrashort pulse generation.