Chip-Scale Optical Frequency Combs for Communications and Sensing: A Toolkit for System Integration

Introduction

Chip-scale Kerr comb generators have emerged as a novel class of light sources with disruptive potential for a variety of applications such as hyper-scale optical communications, LiDAR, high-resolution spectroscopy, or ultra-broadband signal processing. Still, Kerr combs have not yet found their way into commercially relevant applications.

Challenges

This is mainly caused by the fact that high-performance comb generators are currently not available as commercial products. Another obstacle is the lack of additional tools that are needed for comb-based signal processing.

Objectives

CombTools aims at overcoming these obstacles by establishing a powerful technology base and a corresponding ecosystem for leveraging the full potential of Kerr combs in highly relevant application fields.

Technology Development

On the technology level, we will develop copper-contamination-free silicon-nitride photonic integrated circuits with record-low propagation loss. Based on this, CombTools will offer low-barrier “democratized” access to comb generators with unprecedented performance, thereby preparing the ground for many follow-up innovations.

Tool Establishment

We will further establish dedicated tools for comb-based signal processing, comprising:

• Comb-line processors
• Arrays of advanced electro-optic modulators
• Control modules for comb synchronization

The performance of the developed technology will be shown in a series of ground-breaking demonstrations.

Consortium

CombTools brings together a carefully selected consortium that covers proven competencies in technology, product engineering, and business development. The project can rely on a strong technology base developed by the group of Tobias Kippenberg at EPFL.

Market Introduction

This technology has been licensed to the high-tech start-up Deeplight, bringing Kerr-comb technology to the market through its German subsidiary Deeplight GmbH. The consortium further comprises Nokia as a leading international player, thereby offering an ideal framework for industrial innovation and entrepreneurial activities in the EU.