arXiv subjects

Naoya Kuse

Publications and source records attributed to Naoya Kuse.

17 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2025

Microcomb-referenced photonic stabilization of resonant tunneling diode terahertz oscillators

We demonstrate a compact stabilization scheme for terahertz (THz) sources by exploiting the complementary advantages of microresonator-based optical frequency combs (microcombs) and resonant tunneling diodes (RTDs). A microcomb-driven photomixing THz signal is employed as the master for injection locking of an RTD, enabling faithful transfer of the microcomb stability into the RTD. Using this approach, the free-running RTD linewidth of 50 MHz was narrowed to 165 Hz, while the single-sideband phase noise reached -80 dBc/Hz at a 10 kHz offset with a locking range of 80 MHz. Compared with conventional electronic frequency multiplier or fiber-comb-based schemes, this method avoids high-order frequency multiplication and associated noise penalties, offering a compact and practical alternative. The dual functionality of linewidth narrowing and power scalability highlights the potential of microcomb-assisted injection locking as a route toward chip-scale, spectrally pure THz sources for beyond-5G/6G wireless communication and radar, with prospects for future extension to time-frequency metrology and precision sensing.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2025

All-photonic W-band terahertz receiver based on THz-to-optical carrier conversion with soliton microcomb dual carriers for high-speed OOK wireless transmission

We demonstrate an all-photonic terahertz receiver for a data-modulated signal, targeting a 106-GHz, 2.97-Gb/s OOK link. The scheme employs dual-wavelength optical carriers referenced to a soliton microcomb and performs THz-to-optical carrier conversion via nonpolarimetric electro-optic downconversion using an electro-optic polymer modulator. RF spectra and eye diagrams confirmed error-free transmission with a Q-factor of 5.78 and a bit-error rate of 3.73 x 10^-9, well below the hard-decision forward-error-correction (HD-FEC) threshold (Q = 2.67, BER = 3.8 x 10^-3). Comparative measurements using a single-wavelength optical-carrier configuration clearly revealed the superior signal-to-noise performance of the dual-wavelength scheme. System-level modeling further indicated scalability of the transmission distance beyond 100 m. These results establish soliton microcomb-referenced dual carriers as a promising platform for compact, integrated receivers enabling seamless wireless-optical convergence in future 6G networks.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2025

Beyond 350 GHz: Single-channel 112 Gbps photonic wireless transmission at 560 GHz using soliton microcombs

Sixth-generation (6G) back-haul links will require terahertz (THz) carriers above 350 GHz to escape the congested 300 GHz band and support >100 Gbps data rates. Photonic THz transmitters have so far remained below 350 GHz because high-frequency photomixing suffers from phase noise and power limits. Here we demonstrate single-channel wireless transmission at 560 GHz using a fibre-packaged silicon-nitride soliton microcomb as a compact, low-phase-noise optical reference. A high numerical aperture, UV-bonded fibre interface sustains soliton operation for more than 24 hours with 1 W pump power. We phase-lock two distributed-feedback lasers (DFBs) to adjacent comb lines and photomix them in a high-power uni-travelling-carrier photodiode, generating a 560 GHz carrier that bears in-phase and quadrature modulation. We achieve hard-decision forward-error-correction-qualified quadrature phase-shift keying and 16-quadrature amplitude modulation (16QAM) transmissions at 42 and 28 GBaud, respectively, attaining a record 112 Gbps data rate at 560 GHz. Relative to free-running DFBs, microcomb-locked photomixing cuts carrier linewidth and improves 16QAM error-vector magnitude. The results establish soliton microcombs as compact and scalable frequency references for >100 Gbps sub-THz links and chart a path toward compact 6 G back-haul radios.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2025

Self-cooling, blue-detuned dissipative Kerr microresonator soliton comb

Dissipative Kerr solitons (DKSs) generated in high-Q microresonators driven by continuous-wave (CW) lasers provide chip-scale optical frequency combs composed of mutually coherent CW lines. However, their small mode volume makes them highly susceptible to thermal fluctuations, and the resulting thermo-refractive noise (TRN) perturbs the repetition rate $f_{\rm rep}$. Here, we experimentally demonstrate a blue-detuned DKS in a coupled-ring microresonator. By employing avoided-mode-crossing (AMX)-induced dispersion engineering at the pump mode, DKSs are generated even when the pump laser is tuned to the higher-frequency (blue) side of the resonance. In this regime, the pump laser not only seeds DKS formation but also serves as a cooling laser for the thermally sensitive pumped mode. We observe a self-cooling effect that reduces the phase noise of $f_{\rm rep}$ by up to 14.5 dB, while achieving a pump-to-comb conversion efficiency as high as 37 %. These results establish blue-detuned DKSs as a thermally robust and power-efficient solution for integrated microcomb systems, eliminating the need for auxiliary lasers.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2025

Direct fiber-coupled soliton microcomb system with enhanced stability and reproducibility via high numerical-aperture polarization-maintaining single-mode fibers and temperature control

We propose a compact and robust system architecture for soliton microcomb generation, based on two key techniques: direct fiber coupling using high numerical-aperture polarization-maintaining single-mode fibers (high-NA PMFs) and active temperature control of the microresonator. These complementary strategies address two major challenges in microcomb implementation: environmental sensitivity and resonance instability. Building on prior work using single-mode fiber (SMF)-based direct coupling, which demonstrated device miniaturization and partial suppression of thermal drift in coupling efficiency, our PMF-based approach offers enhanced thermal stability and significantly greater robustness to environmental disturbances such as temperature fluctuations and vibration. In our system, precision alignment using microscopes or multi-axis stages is no longer required, enabling a simplified optical setup and stable long-term operation. The direct coupling scheme achieved a coupling efficiency of 57.7% and maintained soliton operation for over 24 hours under external perturbations. In parallel, active temperature control of the microresonator was quantitatively evaluated, reducing the wavelength variation of the pump and auxiliary lasers by 79% and 97%, respectively. This stability enables reproducible soliton generation even in thermally dynamic environments. Comparative experiments with SMF-based direct coupling and lensed-SMF-based free-space coupling systems confirmed the superior performance of the PMF-based design in terms of coupling stability, soliton lifetime, and immunity to environmental noise. The architecture developed in this study lays a strong foundation for future integration into compact modules, paving the way for portable and robust microcomb sources in real-world photonic systems.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2023

Stepped-Frequency THz-wave Signal Generation From a Kerr Microresonator Soliton Comb

Optically generated terahertz (THz) oscillators have garnered considerable attention in recent years due to their potential for wide tunability and low phase noise. Here, for the first time, a dissipative Kerr microresonator soliton comb (DKS), which is inherently in a low noise state, is utilized to produce a stepped-frequency THz signal ($\approx$ 280 GHz). The frequency of one comb mode from a DKS is scanned through an optical-recirculating frequency-shifting loop (ORFSL) which induces a predetermined frequency step onto the carrier frequency. The scanned signal is subsequently heterodyned with an adjacent comb mode, generating a THz signal in a frequency range that is determined by the repetition frequency of the DKS. The proposed method is proved by proof-of-concept experiments with MHz level electronics, showing a bandwidth of 4.15 GHz with a frequency step of 83 MHz and a period of 16 $\mu$s.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2023

Solving multi-armed bandit problems using a chaotic microresonator comb

The Multi-Armed Bandit (MAB) problem, foundational to reinforcement learning-based decision-making, addresses the challenge of maximizing rewards amidst multiple uncertain choices. While algorithmic solutions are effective, their computational efficiency diminishes with increasing problem complexity. Photonic accelerators, leveraging temporal and spatial-temporal chaos, have emerged as promising alternatives. However, despite these advancements, current approaches either compromise computation speed or amplify system complexity. In this paper, we introduce a chaotic microresonator frequency comb (chaos comb) to tackle the MAB problem, where each comb mode is assigned to a slot machine. Through a proof-of-concept experiment, we employ 44 comb modes to address an MAB with 44 slot machines, demonstrating performance competitive with both conventional software algorithms and other photonic methods. Further, the scalability of decision making is explored with up to 512 slot machines using experimentally obtained temporal chaos in different time slots. Power-law scalability is achieved with an exponent of 0.96, outperforming conventional software-based algorithms. Moreover, we find that a numerically calculated chaos comb accurately reproduces experimental results, paving the way for discussions on strategies to increase the number of slot machines.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2023

Wireless data transmission in a 560-GHz band using low-phase-noise terahertz wave generated by photomixing of a pair of distributed feedback lasers injection-locking to Kerr micro-resonator soliton comb

The demand for higher data rates in next-generation mobile wireless communication systems (6G) has led to significant interest in terahertz (THz) waves as a high-frequency, broad modulation bandwidth carrier wave. In this study, we propose and demonstrate a wireless data transfer in the 560-GHz band using low-phase-noise THz waves generated by photomixing of a pair of distributed feedback lasers injection-locking to Kerr micro-resonator soliton comb. Experimental results showed near-error-free on-off keying (OOK) data transfer at 1 Gbit/s in the 560-GHz band, with a Q-factor of 6.23, surpassing the error-free limit. Also, modulation formats of binary phase shift keying (BPSK) and quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) were successfully used, showing clear constellation diagrams and relatively low root mean squared error vector magnitude (rms EVM) values of 23.9% and 23.6%, respectively. Moreover, data transfer at 0.4 Gbit/s in 16 quadrature amplitude modulation (16QAM) demonstrated clear isolated symbols and achieved a low rms EVM value of 8.1%, complying with the IEEE 802.15.3d standard amendment. These demonstrations highlight the potential of using injection-locked DFB lasers with the Kerr micro-resonator soliton comb to achieve high-quality, high-speed wireless data transfer in the 560-GHz band. These findings contribute significantly to the advancement of wireless communication technology in the THz frequency range and pave the way for the realization of 6G wireless communication systems.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2023

Carrier conversion from terahertz wave to dual-wavelength near-infrared light injection-locking to optical comb using asynchronous nonpolarimetric electro-optic downconversion with electro-optic polymer modulator

THz waves are promising wireless carriers for next-generation wireless communications, where a seamless connection from wireless to optical communication is required. In this study, we demonstrate carrier conversion from THz waves to dual-wavelength NIR light injection-locking to an optical frequency comb using asynchronous nonpolarimetric electro-optic downconversion with an electro-optic polymer modulator. THz wave in the W band was obtained as a stable photonic RF beat signal of 1 GHz with a signal-to-noise ratio of 25 dB via the proposed THz-to-NIR carrier conversion. In addition, the results imply the potential of the photonic detection of THz waves for wireless-to-optical seamless communication.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2023

Terahertz wireless communication at 560-GHz band using Kerr micro-resonator soliton comb

Terahertz (THz) waves have attracted attention as carrier waves for next-generation wireless communications (6G). Electronic THz emitters are widely used in current mobile communications; however, they may face technical limitations in 6G with upper-frequency limits. We demonstrate wireless communication in a 560-GHz band by using a photonic THz emitter based on photomixing of a 560-GHz-spacing soliton microcomb in a uni-travelling carrier photodiode together with a THz receiver of Schottky barrier diode. The on-off keying data transfer with 2-Gbit/s achieves a Q-factor of 3.4, thus, satisfying the limit of forward error correction.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2022

Low phase noise THz generation from a fiber-referenced Kerr microresonator soliton comb

THz oscillators generated via frequency-multiplication of microwaves are facing difficulty in achieving low phase noise. Photonics-based techniques, in which optical two tones are translated to a THz wave through opto-electronic conversion, are promising if the relative phase noise between the two tones is well suppressed. Here, a THz ($\approx$ 560 GHz) wave with a low phase noise is provided by a frequency-stabilized, dissipative Kerr microresonator soliton comb. The repetition frequency of the comb is stabilized to a long fiber in a two-wavelength delayed self-heterodyne interferometer, significantly reducing the phase noise of the THz wave. A measurement technique to characterize the phase noise of the THz wave beyond the limit of a frequency-multiplied microwave is also demonstrated, showing the superior phase noise of the THz wave to any other photonic THz oscillators (> 300 GHz).

physics.optics↗

arXiv2021

Amplification and phase noise transfer of a Kerr microresonator soliton comb for low phase noise THz generation with a high signal-to-noise ratio

Optical injection locking is implemented to faithfully transfer the phase noise of a dissipative Kerr microresonator soliton comb in addition to the amplification of the Kerr comb. Unlike Er-doped fiber and semiconductor optical amplifiers, the optical injection locking amplifies the comb mode without degrading the optical signal-to-noise ratio. In addition, we show that the residual phase noise of the optical injection locking is sufficiently small to transfer the relative phase noise of comb modes (equivalent to the repetition frequency) of low phase noise Kerr combs, concluding that the optical injection locking of a Kerr comb can be an effective way to generate low phase noise THz waves with a high signal-to-noise ratio through an optical-to-electronic conversion of the Kerr comb.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2021

Thermal control of Kerr microresonator soliton comb via an optical sideband

We report the thermal control of a dissipative Kerr microresonator soliton comb via an optical sideband generated from an electro-optic modulator. Same as the previous reports using an independent auxiliary laser, our sideband-based (S-B) auxiliary light also enables to access a stable soliton comb and to reduce the phase noise of the soliton comb, greatly simplifying the setup with an auxiliary laser. More importantly, because of the intrinsically high frequency/phase correlation between the pump and S-B auxiliary light, the detuning between the pump and resonance frequency is automatically almost fixed, allowing the 18 times larger "effective"soliton existence range than the conventional method using an independent auxiliary laser, as well as the scanning of the soliton comb of more than 10 GHz without using microheaters.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2021

Generation of a microresonator soliton comb via current modulation of a DFB laser

Dissipative Kerr-microresonator soliton combs (hereafter called soliton combs) has been rapidly progressing as compact frequency combs. Comb mode scanning of the soliton combs with a large range and fast speed is of paramount importance for applications such as LiDAR and spectroscopy, requiring large and rapid frequency scanning of a pump continuous-wave (CW) laser as well as resonance frequency of a microresonator. Here, we demonstrate the generation of a soliton comb by a distributed feedback (DFB) laser toward the comb mode scanning with a large range and fast speed. Compared with conventional pump CW lasers (i.e. external cavity diode lasers: ECDLs), DFB lasers can be frequency-scanned more largely and rapidly without mode-hopping. In addition, because of the fast scan speed of the DFB laser, a single soliton comb is generated simply by controlling the injection current of the DFB laser, greatly simplifying the system without having any additional optical modulators such as a carrier-suppressed single-sideband modulator (CS-SSB modulator), acousto-optic modulator (AOM), and auxiliary CW laser.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2021

Frequency-scanned microresonator soliton comb with the tracking of the frequency of all comb modes

Rapid and large scanning of a dissipative Kerr-microresonator soliton comb with the characterization of all comb modes along with the separation of the comb modes is imperative for the emerging applications of the frequency-scanned soliton combs. However, the scan speed is limited by the gain of feedback systems and the measurement of the frequency shift of all comb modes has not been demonstrated. To overcome the limitation of the feedback, we incorporate the feedback with the feedforward. With the additional gain of > 40 dB by a feedforward signal, a dissipative Kerr-microresonator soliton comb is scanned by 70 GHz in 500 $μ$s, 50 GHz in 125 $μ$s, and 25 GHz in 50 $μ$s (= 500 THz/s). Furthermore, we propose and demonstrate a method to measure the frequency shift of all comb modes, in which an imbalanced Mach-Zehnder interferometer with two outputs with different wavelengths is used. Because of the two degrees of freedom of optical frequency combs, the measurement at the two different wavelengths enables the estimation of the frequency shift of all comb modes.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2019

Continuous scanning of a dissipative Kerr-microresonator soliton comb for broadband, high resolution spectroscopy

Dissipative Kerr-microresonator soliton combs (hereafter called soliton combs) are promising to realize chip scale integration of full soliton comb systems providing high precision, broad spectral coverage and a coherent link to the micro/mm/THz domain with diverse applications coming on line all the time. However, the large soliton comb spacing hampers some applications. For example, for spectroscopic applications, there are simply not enough comb lines available to sufficiently cover almost any relevant absorption features. Here, we overcome this limitation by scanning the comb mode spacing by employing PDH locking and a microheater on the microresonator, showing continuous scanning of the soliton comb modes across nearly the full FSR of the microresonator without losing soliton operation, while spectral features with a bandwidth of as small of 5 MHz are resolved. Thus, comb mode scanning allows to cover the whole comb mode spectrum of tens of THz bandwidth with only one chip-scale comb.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2017

All-polarization-maintaining, single-port Er:fiber comb for high-stability comparison of optical lattice clocks

All-polarization-maintaining, single-port Er:fiber combs offer long-term robust operation as well as high stability. We have built two such combs and evaluated the transfer noise for linking optical clocks. A uniformly broadened spectrum over 135-285 THz with a high signal-to-noise ratio enables the optical frequency measurement of the subharmonics of strontium, ytterbium, and mercury optical lattice clocks with the fractional frequency-noise power spectral density of $(1-2)\times 10^{-17}$ Hz$^{-1/2}$ at 1 Hz. By applying a synchronous clock comparison, the comb enables clock ratio measurements with $10^{-17}$ instability at 1 s, which is one order of magnitude smaller than the best instability of the frequency ratio of optical lattice clocks.

physics.optics↗