Figure 1. Photograph of the hybrid, microcomb-based, photonic microwave oscillator.

Figure 2. Photograph showing the four critical chip components of the OEO microcomb.

Platform Introduction

Research Contents & Goals

The Integrated Optical Frequency Comb Platform is dedicated to developing practical, chip-scale optical frequency comb systems. We advance hybrid integration technologies combining III-V semiconductors and silicon nitride (Si₃N₄) to transform complex frequency comb setups from bulky laboratory benches into compact chips. Utilizing this technology, we fabricate integrated optical frequency combs covering spectral ranges from telecommunication bands to atomic transition bands. By drastically reducing system volume, we aim to fully unleash their vast application potential in scenarios such as data centers, space platforms, and mobile terminals.

Looking forward, we will focus on further optimizing integration technologies to enhance the performance stability and environmental adaptability of our systems. By overcoming key technical bottlenecks in device control and packaging, our goal is to develop robust integrated optical frequency comb modules that provide stable and reliable core device support for cutting-edge applications, including optical communication, microwave generation, laser ranging, and optical computing.

Platform Level & Positioning

The platform holds a prominent position in the fields of integrated nonlinear photonics and microwave photonics, both domestically and internationally. We possess full-stack capabilities ranging from theoretical modeling of optical frequency comb’s physical mechanisms to device design, large-scale chip fabrication, and modular packaging. For example, leveraging these capabilities, we have achieved world-class performance metrics: our Si₃N₄ microresonators feature intrinsic quality factors (Q) exceeding 2.5 × 10⁷. Leveraging unique noise-quenching dynamics, we have realized the fully integrated microcomb-based oscillator within a footprint of merely 76 mm². This device synthesizes microwave signals with an intrinsic linewidth of 6.3 mHz, establishing a new benchmark for on-chip spectral purity without the need for external active locking.

Representative Achievements

1. Sun W, Chen Z, Li L, et al. A chip-integrated comb-based microwave oscillator[J]. Light: Science & Applications, 2025, 14(1): 179.

2. Long J, Wang Z, Peng H, et al. A chip-based optoelectronic-oscillator frequency comb[J]. Elight, 2025, 5(1): 14.

3. Li S, Yu K, Chermoshentsev D A, et al. Universal Kerr-thermal dynamics of self-injection-locked microresonator dark pulses[J]. Physical Review Letters, 2025, 135(13): 133803.