SICOMB

CMOS-compatible, ultra-broadband on-chip frequency comb in silicon carbide.

Lasers have become ubiquitous, and, in addition to monochromatic laser light, many applications rely on the ability to produce multiple colours of light (at discrete frequencies) simultaneously. The spectra of these laser sources resemble a comb, hence the term ‘frequency comb’. Contributions to the development of laser-based precision spectroscopy, including the optical frequency comb technique, were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2005. Fast forward to 2020, reducing the bulk and expense of frequency combs is critical to expanding applications for today’s innovations. Chip-based frequency combs requiring very little space and with very low power consumption are key. The EU-funded SiComb project aims to demonstrate for the first time a CMOS-compatible and ultra-broadband on-chip frequency comb made from sustainable and high-performance silicon carbide.