Rack Mountable Soliton Microcomb with Turn-Key operation for Scientific and Industrial Applications

Informations projet

RaMSoM

N° de convention de subvention: 101033663

DOI

10.3030/101033663

Projet clôturé

Date de signature de la CE 11 Mars 2021

Date de début 1 Mai 2021

Date de fin 30 Avril 2023

Financé au titre de

• EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Coût total

€ 203 149,44

Contribution de l’UE

€ 203 149,44

Coordonné par

ECOLE POLYTECHNIQUE FEDERALE DE LAUSANNE
Switzerland

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - RaMSoM (Rack Mountable Soliton Microcomb with Turn-Key operation for Scientific and Industrial Applications)

Période du rapport: 2021-05-01 au 2023-04-30

Résumé du contexte et des objectifs généraux du projet

Optical frequency combs based on femtosecond lasers, as developed by T. Haensch and J. Hall, have revolutionised frequency metrology and enabled numerous advances in time measurement, spectroscopy and sensing. Since their discovery in 2007, such frequency combs can also be generated by parametric frequency conversion in a chip-based resonator (microresonator-based frequency combs). The second revolution is underway: microcombs offer not only a compact form factor, wafer-scale fabrication, integration with other optical or electrical functionality on chip. They have been demonstrated for use in world-record petabit-per-second communications, neuromorphic computing and optical clocks. Due to their compact footprint, such microcombs have shown potential as part of a Light Distance Ranging device for the automotive industry. However, microcombs are limited to those who can afford the complex experimental setups required to successfully operate soliton microcombs.

The overall goal of the RaMSoM project is to transition photonic integrated circuit-based microcombs to a turnkey, system-level demonstrator that can be used in the field. We have advanced microcomb technology by offering heterogeneously integrated piezoelectric MEMS actuators based on AlN/PZT. Such a self-contained, frequency-agile, automated soliton microcomb system has lowered the barrier to adoption of microcomb technology and democratised access to it. In addition to maturing the technology, the aim is to develop the basis for commercialisation through competitor analysis, market research, trade fair participation, feasibility studies with industrial partners and the creation of a spin-off company.

Travail effectué depuis le début du projet jusqu’à la fin de la période considérée dans le rapport et principaux résultats atteints jusqu’à présent

The researcher developed the stand-alone 19-inch rack-mounted soliton microcomb with control electronics and a fully integrated low-noise laser, which has significantly improved the performance of the comb. Such a soliton microcomb is a disruptive technology that combines chip-scale integration, low phase noise and hundreds of channels from a single device driven by a single CW laser. Dr Andrey Voloshin investigated various industrial applications of soliton microcombs and assessed their market potential.

He demonstrated the proof-of-concept of a fully integrated comb-based FMCW LiDAR and optimised the soliton microcomb system for photonic computing experiments. Finally, we demonstrated the innovation potential of the technology developed within RaMSoM. The researcher developed an industrial grade and evaluated the prototypes with industrial partners. The positive feedback from industry proved that this technology should be commercialised in order to increase and maintain Europe's strengths in photonics. The researcher became a co-founder of this start-up company and presented the technology at high-level industrial events in Europe. Significantly, the researcher presented the technology to a wide audience at various events and prepared a video to disseminate the results of RaMSoM.

The video is available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUAu3LgIduM

Progrès au-delà de l’état des connaissances et impact potentiel prévu (y compris l’impact socio-économique et les conséquences sociétales plus larges du projet jusqu’à présent)

The multi-scale engineering project went beyond the system level and provided a solution to the outstanding research challenges associated with soliton microcomb technology. For the first time, we will demonstrate a microcomb with a frequency-agile pump laser and a microresonator with monolithically integrated MEMS piezo actuators to provide full control of the comb parameters. RaMSoM has raised awareness of soliton microcomb technology among the industrial and research communities and the general public, and has initiated the industrial deployment of soliton microcombs through feasibility studies with industrial partners. The project demonstrated that this technology could lead to a 30% reduction in energy consumption within 10 years through deployment in data centers and photonic computing systems. Significantly, RaMSoM led to the creation of a start-up company, Deeplight, based in Switzerland and Germany, and created four jobs for early-stage European professionals to increase Europe's strength in the photonics industry.

Concept of a soliton microcomb: integration of III-V laser diodes and microresonators