PHOTO : Devices - Non linear optics

Research Topics - PHOTO / Photonic devices / Non linear optics

Towards on-chip frequency combs

Frequency combs are novel optical sources which emit a set of equi-spaced frequencies whose prime applications include metrology, advanced spectroscopy, telecommunication synchronization, high-purity RF synthesizers, and the precise calibration of instruments. Our work aims to evaluate the feasibility of making the whole optical frequency comb on a semiconductor chip. The considered approach is based on the use intra-cavity Kerr-effects in a whispering-gallery-mode cavity excited by a single-frequency laser. The activity covers all aspects i.e. resonator design, fabrication in a monolithic approach using GaAs/AlOx technology as well as device characterisation.

In parallel, having established the fabrication of ridge inter-band Cascade Lasers (ICLs) to evaluate the ICL gain characteristics for mid-IR VCSELs for the « Mi-MICSEL » ANR project , a new strand of work will be devoted to the demonstration of mid-infrared frequency comb laser diodes. Within the « Active comb » ANR project and in collaboration with ENS, IES and C2N, we will aim to develop actively and passively mode-locked ICLs based on multi-section laser diodes.

 

Whispering-gallery mode resonators vertically-coupled to their AlOx-apertured access waveguides.

 

Projects:

Contrat R & T CNES R-S13-LN-0001-025.
ANR « Active Comb » 2020-2023

Related publications:
D. A. Diaz-Thomas, O. Stepanenko, M. Bahriz, S. Calvez, E. Tournié, A.N. Baranov, G. Almuneau, and L. Cerutti, “Interband Cascade Lasers with AlGaAsSb cladding layers emitting at 3.3 µm”, Opt Express. 27, 31425-31434, 2019.

C. Arlotti, G. Lafleur, A. Larrue, P.-F. Calmon, A; Arnoult, G. Almuneau, O. Gauthier-Lafaye, and S. Calvez, “Coupled-mode analysis of vertically-coupled AlGaAs/AlOx microdisk resonators”, IEEE J. Quantum Electronics 54, 6300308, 2018.

S. Calvez, G. Lafleur, A. Larrue, P.-F. Calmon, A. Arnoult, G. Almuneau and O. Gauthier-Lafaye, “Vertically-coupled microdisk resonators using AlGaAs/AlOx technology”, IEEE Photonics Technology Letters 27, 982-985, 2015.

 

Nonlinear frequency conversion

Nonlinear frequency conversion is a technique that has enabled the wavelength diversification of the emission from gas and doped-dielectric lasers and that could also be used in silicon-based photonics systems. In this context, we investigate how nano-structured devices can be effectively used to implement such frequency conversion schemes.

In particular, the study of the nano-structured filters has led to the emergence of CRIGFs as attractive candidates to perform such frequency conversion given their ability to efficiently store energy in these high Q-factor (>1500) micrometric cavities and their straightforward excitation by pump/signal beams. Our current work aims to explore the potential of such devices and other nano-structured surfaces of AlGaAs or lithium niobate on insulator to generate signals by three-wave nonlinear mixing (secod harmonic generation, optical parametric oscillation, difference or sum frequency mixing).

Second harmonic generation in a 1555nm-resonant CRIGF

 

Projects:

 ANR ASTRID « Reson » 2020-2023

Related publications:
F. Renaud, A. Monmayrant, S. Calvez, O. Gauthier-Lafaye, A.-L. Fehrembach and E. Popov, “Second Harmonic Generation enhancement in Cavity Resonator Integrated Grating Filters”, Optics Letters 44, 5198, 2019.