Drop-port study of microresonator frequency combs: power transfer, spectra and time-domain characterization

Pei-Hsun Wang, Purdue University
Yi Xuan, Birck Nanotechnology Center, Purdue University
Li Fan, Birck Nanotechnology Center, Purdue University
Leo T. Varghese, Birck Nanotechnology Center, Purdue University
Jian Wang, Birck Nanotechnology Center, Purdue University
Yang Liu, Purdue University
Xiaoxiao Xue, Purdue University
Daniel E. Leaird, Purdue University
Minghao Qi, Birck Nanotechnology Center, Purdue University
Andrew M. Weiner, Purdue University - Main Campus

Date of this Version

9-23-2013

Abstract

We use a drop-port geometry to characterize frequency combs generated from silicon nitride on-chip microresonators in the normal group velocity regime. In sharp contrast with the traditional transmission geometry, we observe smooth output spectra with comparable powers in the pump and adjacent comb lines. The power transfer into the comb may be explained to a large extent by the coupling parameters characterizing the linear operation of the resonances studied. Furthermore, comparison of thru- and drop-port spectra shows that much of the ASE noise is filtered out by transmission to the drop-port. Autocorrelation measurements are performed on the drop-port output, without the need to filter out or suppress the strong pump line as is necessary in thru- port experiments. Passively mode-locked pulses with low background are observed in a normal dispersion microcavity. (c) 2013 Optical Society of America

Discipline(s)

Nanoscience and Nanotechnology

 

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