Advanced optical Kerr combs and microwave generation in fibered Fabry-Perot resonators – COMBY

The main objective of COMBY project is to develop fibered Fabry-Pérot (FP) resonators, with GHz free spectral range and versatile for the generation of optical frequency combs (OFCs) and microwave signals. This multidisciplinary project, at the interface between materials, non-linear photonics and microwaves, aims for several scientific and technological breakthroughs by exploring applied and exploratory research directions. The COMBY project is structured on 5 major scientific objectives: (1) Develop a mature and versatile FP resonator manufacturing platform able of achieving record quality factors (Q>10^9). (2) Gain a better understanding of the emergence of Kerr frequency combs in FP resonators using theoretical and numerical tools (especially for multimode configurations). A thorough understanding of the physical processes involved in the emergence of frequency combs is indeed essential for the success of the project. (3) Generate spatially multiplexed and mutually coherent OFCs within the same FP resonator. (4) Develop a compact laser demonstrator locked on an FP cavity and having an integrated linewidth in the range of 30 Hz. (5) Create a microwave or millimeter wave frequency generator based on synchronized combs, with phase noise below -120 dBc/Hz at 1 kHz of a 10 GHz carrier. The COMBY project will boost the emerging synergy around fiber FP resonators at the national level and gain international recognition in this highly promising field, as evidenced by the numerous recent publications on the subject. Furthermore, our consortium's holistic approach, encompassing fabrication, modeling, and experimental demonstrations, will provide us with all the tools to raise the technological maturity level (TRL) of these devices.