arXiv subjects

Roberto Morandotti

Publications and source records attributed to Roberto Morandotti.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

arXiv2020

Optical data transmission at 44Tb/s and 10 bits/s/Hz over the C-band with standard fibre and a single micro-comb source

Micro-combs [1 - 4], optical frequency combs generated by integrated micro-cavity resonators, offer the full potential of their bulk counterparts [5,6], but in an integrated footprint. The discovery of temporal soliton states (DKS dissipative Kerr solitons) [4,7-11] as a means of modelocking microcombs has enabled breakthroughs in many fields including spectroscopy [12,13], microwave photonics [14], frequency synthesis [15], optical ranging [16,17], quantum sources [18,19], metrology [20,21] and more. One of their most promising applications has been optical fibre communications where they have enabled massively parallel ultrahigh capacity multiplexed data transmission [22,23]. Here, by using a new and powerful class of microcomb called soliton crystals [11], we achieve unprecedented data transmission over standard optical fibre using a single integrated chip source. We demonstrate a line rate of 44.2 Terabits per second using the telecommunications C band at 1550nm with a spectral efficiency, a critically important performance metric, of 10.4 bits/s/Hz. Soliton crystals exhibit robust and stable generation and operation as well as a high intrinsic efficiency that, together with a low soliton microcomb spacing of 48.9 GHz enable the use of a very high coherent data modulation format of 64 QAM (quadrature amplitude modulated). We demonstrate error free transmission over 75 km of standard optical fibre in the laboratory as well as in a field trial over an installed metropolitan optical fibre network. These experiments were greatly aided by the ability of the soliton crystals to operate without stabilization or feedback control. This work demonstrates the capability of optical soliton crystal microcombs to perform in demanding and practical optical communications networks.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2020

Comparison of photonic transversal RF spectral filters based on different optical microcombs

Integrated Kerr microcombs are emerging as a powerful tool as sources of multiple wavelength channels for photonic RF and microwave signal processing mainly in the context of transversal filters. They offer a compact device footprint, very high versatility, large numbers of wavelengths, and wide Nyquist bands. Here, we review recent progress on Kerr microcomb-based photonic RF and microwave reconfigurable filters, based both on transversal filter methods and on RF to optical bandwidth scaling. We compare and contrast results achieved with wide comb spacing combs (200GHz) with more finely spaced (49GHz) microcombs. The strong potential of optical micro-combs for RF photonics applications in terms of functions and integrability is also discussed.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2020

Enhanced four-wave-mixing with 2D layered graphene oxide films integrated with CMOS compatible micro-ring resonators

Layered 2D graphene oxide (GO) films are integrated with microring resonators (MRRs) to experimentally demonstrate enhanced nonlinear optics in the form of four wave mixing (FWM). Both uniformly coated and patterned GO films are integrated on CMOS compatible doped silica MRRs using a large area, transfer free, layer by layer GO coating method together with photolithography and lift off processes, yielding precise control of the film thickness, placement, and coating length. The high Kerr nonlinearity and low loss of the GO films combined with the strong light matter interaction within the MRRs results in a significant improvement in the FWM efficiency in the hybrid MRRs. Detailed FWM measurements are performed at different pump powers and resonant wavelengths for the uniformly coated MRRs with 1 to 5 layers of GO as well as the patterned devices with 10 to 50 layers of GO. The experimental results show good agreement with theory, achieving up to 7.6 dB enhancement in the FWM conversion efficiency (CE) for an MRR uniformly coated with 1 layer of GO and 10.3 dB for a patterned device with 50 layers of GO. By fitting the measured CE as a function of pump power for devices with different numbers of GO layers, we also extract the dependence of the third-order nonlinearity on layer number and pump power, revealing interesting physical insights about the evolution of the layered GO films from 2D monolayers to quasi bulk like behavior. These results confirm the high nonlinear optical performance of integrated photonic resonators incorporated with 2D layered GO films.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2020

Integrated micro-comb sources for quantum optical applications

A key challenge for quantum science and technology is to realise large-scale, precisely controllable, practical systems for non-classical secured communications, metrology and ultimately meaningful quantum simulation and computation. Optical frequency combs represent a powerful approach towards this, since they provide a very high number of temporal and frequency modes which can result in large-scale quantum systems. The generation and control of quantum optical frequency combs will enable a unique, practical and scalable framework for quantum signal and information processing. Here, we review recent progress on the realization of energy-time entangled optical frequency combs and discuss how photonic integration and the use of fiber-optic telecommunications components can enable quantum state control with new functionalities, yielding unprecedented capability.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2020

Optical Kerr soliton crystal microcomb source for RF photonic fractional differentiation

We report a photonic radio frequency (RF) fractional differentiator based on an integrated Kerr micro-comb source. The micro-comb source has a free spectral range (FSR) of 49 GHz, generating a large number of comb lines that serve as a high-performance multi-wavelength source for the differentiator. By programming and shaping the comb lines according to calculated tap weights, arbitrary fractional orders ranging from 0.15 to 0.90 are achieved over a broad RF operation bandwidth of 15.49 GHz. We experimentally characterize the frequency-domain RF amplitude and phase responses as well as the temporal responses with a Gaussian pulse input. The experimental results show good agreement with theory, confirming the effectiveness of our approach towards high-performance fractional differentiators featuring broad processing bandwidth, high reconfigurability, and potentially greatly reduced size and cost.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2019

Time-domain terahertz compressive imaging

We present an implementation of the single-pixel imaging approach into a terahertz (THz) time-domain spectroscopy (TDS) system. We demonstrate the indirect coherent reconstruction of THz temporal waveforms at each spatial position of an object, without the need of mechanical raster-scanning. First, we exploit such temporal information to realize (far-field) time-of-flight images. In addition, as a proof of concept, we apply a typical compressive sensing algorithm to demonstrate image reconstruction with less than 50% of the total required measurements. Finally, the access to frequency domain is also demonstrated by reconstructing spectral images of an object featuring an absorption line in the THz range. The combination of single-pixel imaging with compressive sensing algorithms allows to reduce both complexity and acquisition time of current THz-TDS imaging systems.

eess.IV↗

arXiv2019

Microwave photonic fractional Hilbert transformer with an integrated optical soliton crystal micro-comb

We report a photonic microwave and RF fractional Hilbert transformer based on an integrated Kerr micro-comb source. The micro-comb source has a free spectral range (FSR) of 50GHz, generating a large number of comb lines that serve as a high-performance multi-wavelength source for the transformer. By programming and shaping the comb lines according to calculated tap weights, we achieve both arbitrary fractional orders and a broad operation bandwidth. We experimentally characterize the RF amplitude and phase response for different fractional orders and perform system demonstrations of real-time fractional Hilbert transforms. We achieve a phase ripple of < 0.15 rad within the 3-dB pass-band, with bandwidths ranging from 5 to 9 octaves, depending on the order. The experimental results show good agreement with theory, confirming the effectiveness of our approach as a new way to implement high-performance fractional Hilbert transformers with broad processing bandwidth, high reconfigurability, and greatly reduced size and complexity.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2019

Microwave and RF signal processing based on integrated soliton crystal optical microcombs

Microcombs are powerful tools as sources of multiple wavelength channels for photonic RF signal processing. They offer a compact device footprint, large numbers of wavelengths, and wide Nyquist bands. Here, we review recent progress on microcomb-based photonic RF signal processors, including true time delays, reconfigurable filters, Hilbert transformers, differentiators, and channelizers. The strong potential of optical micro-combs for RF photonics applications in terms of functions and integrability is also discussed.

eess.SP↗

arXiv2019

Microwave Q-band oscillator at 49GHz for broadband frequency conversion based on a Kerr optical soliton crystal micro-comb

We report a broadband microwave frequency converter based on a coherent Kerr optical micro-comb generated by an integrated micro-ring resonator. The coherent micro-comb displays features that are consistent with soliton crystal dynamics with an FSR of 48.9GHz. We use this to demonstrate a high-performance millimeter-wave local oscillator at 48.9GHz in the Q-band for microwave frequency conversion. We experimentally verify the microwave performance up to 40 GHz, achieving a ratio of 6.8 dB between output RF power and IF power and a spurious suppression ratio of > 43.5 dB. The experimental results show good agreement with theory and verify the effectiveness of microwave frequency converters based on coherent optical micro-combs, with the ability to achieve reduced size, complexity, and potential cost.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2019

Integrated polarizers based on graphene oxide in waveguides and ring resonators

Integrated waveguide polarizers and polarization-selective micro-ring resonators (MRRs) incorporated with graphene oxide (GO) films are experimentally demonstrated. CMOS-compatible doped silica waveguides and MRRs with both uniformly coated and patterned GO films are fabricated based on a large-area, transfer-free, layer-by-layer GO coating method that yields precise control of the film thickness. Photolithography and lift-off processes are used to achieve photolithographic patterning of GO films with precise control of the placement and coating length. Detailed measurements are performed to characterize the performance of the devices versus GO film thickness and coating length as a function of polarization, wavelength and power. A high polarization dependent loss of ~53.8 dB is achieved for the waveguide coated with 2-mm-long patterned GO films. It is found that intrinsic film material loss anisotropy dominates the performance for less than 20 layers whereas polarization dependent mode overlap dominates for thicker layers. For the MRRs, the GO coating length is reduced to 50 microns, yielding a ~ 8.3-dB polarization extinction ratio between TE and TM resonances. These results offer interesting physical insights and trends of the layered GO films and demonstrate the effectiveness of introducing GO films into photonic integrated devices to realize high-performance polarization selective components.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2019

Collapse on the line -- how synthetic dimensions influence nonlinear effects

Power induced wave collapse is one of the most fascinating phenomena in optics as it provides extremely high intensities, thus stimulating a range of nonlinear processes. For low power levels, propagation of beams in bulk media is dominated by diffraction, while above a certain threshold self-focusing is steadily enhanced by the action of a positive nonlinearity. An autocatalytic blow-up occurs, which is only stopped by saturation of the nonlinearity, material damage or the inherent medium discreteness. In the latter case, this leads to energy localization on a single site. It is commonly believed that for cubic nonlinearities, this intriguing effect requires at least two transverse dimensions to occur and is thus out of reach in fiber optics. Following the concept of synthetic dimensions, we demonstrate that mixing short and long-range interaction resembles a two-dimensional mesh lattice and features wave collapse at mW-power levels in a genuine 1D system formed by coupled fiber loops.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2019

2D Solitons in PT-symmetric photonic lattices

Parity-time (PT) symmetry has attracted a lot of attention since the concept of pseudo-Hermitian dynamics of open quantum systems was first demonstrated two decades ago. Contrary to their Hermitian counterparts, non-conservative environments a priori do not show real energy eigenvalues and unitary evolution. However, if PT-symmetry requirements are satisfied, even dissipative systems can exhibit real energy eigenvalues, thus ensuring energy conservation in the temporal average. In optics, PT-symmetry can be readily introduced by incorporating, in a balanced way, regions having optical gain and loss. However, all optical realizations have been restricted so far to a single transverse dimension (1D) such as optical waveguide arrays. In many cases, only losses were modulated relying on a scaling argument being valid for linear systems only. Both restrictions crucially limit potential applications. Here, we present an experimental platform for investigating the interplay of PT-symmetry and nonlinearity in two dimensions (2D) and observe nonlinear localization and soliton formation. Contrary to the typical dissipative solitons, we find a one-parametric family of solitons which exhibit properties similar to its conservative counterpart. In the limit of high optical power, the solitons collapse on a discrete network and give rise to an amplified, self-accelerating field.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2019

Laser Cavity-Soliton Micro-Combs

The field of micro-cavity based frequency combs, or 'micro-combs'[1,2], has recently witnessed many fundamental breakthroughs[3-19] enabled by the discovery of temporal cavity-solitons, self-localised waves sustained by a background of radiation usually containing 95% of the total power[20]. Simple methods for their efficient generation and control are currently researched to finally establish micro-combs as out-of-the-lab widespread tools[21]. Here we demonstrate micro-comb laser cavity-solitons, an intrinsically highly-efficient, background free class of solitary waves. Laser cavity-solitons have underpinned key breakthroughs in semiconductor lasers[22,23] and photonic memories[24-26]. By merging their properties with the physics of both micro-resonators[1,2] and multi-mode systems[27], we provide a new paradigm for the generation and control of self-localised pulses in micro-cavities. We demonstrate 50 nm wide soliton combs induced with average powers one order of magnitude lower than those typically required by state-of-the-art approaches[26]. Furthermore, we can tune the repetition-rate to well over a megahertz with no-active feedback.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2019

Optical force-induced nonlinearity and self-guiding of light in human red blood cell suspensions

Osmotic conditions play an important role in the cell properties of human red blood cells (RBCs), which are crucial for the pathological analysis of some blood diseases such as malaria. Over the past decades, numerous efforts have mainly focused on the study of the RBC biomechanical properties that arise from the unique deformability of erythrocytes. Here, we demonstrate nonlinear optical effects from human RBCs suspended in different osmotic solutions. Specifically, we observe self-trapping and scattering-resistant nonlinear propagation of a laser beam through RBC suspensions under all three osmotic conditions, where the strength of the optical nonlinearity increases with osmotic pressure on the cells. This tunable nonlinearity is attributed to optical forces, particularly the forward scattering and gradient forces. Interestingly, in aged blood samples (with lysed cells), a notably different nonlinear behavior is observed due to the presence of free hemoglobin. We use a theoretical model with an optical force-mediated nonlocal nonlinearity to explain the experimental observations. Our work on light self-guiding through scattering bio-soft-matter may introduce new photonic tools for noninvasive biomedical imaging and medical diagnosis.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2018

Graphene oxide for enhanced nonlinear optics in low and high index contrast waveguides and nanowires

We demonstrate enhanced four-wave mixing (FWM) in doped silica waveguides integrated with graphene oxide (GO) layers. Owing to strong mode overlap between the integrated waveguides and GO films that have a high Kerr nonlinearity and low loss, the FWM efficiency of the hybrid integrated waveguides is significantly improved. We perform FWM measurements for different pump powers, wavelength detuning, GO coating lengths, and number of GO layers. Our experimental results show good agreement with theory, achieving up to ~9.5-dB enhancement in the FWM conversion efficiency for a 1.5-cm-long waveguide integrated with 2 layers of GO. We show theoretically that for different waveguide geometries an enhancement in FWM efficiency of ~ 20 dB can be obtained in the doped silica waveguides, and more than 30 dB in silicon nanowires and slot waveguides. This demonstrates the effectiveness of introducing GO films into integrated photonic devices in order to enhance the performance of nonlinear optical processes.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2018

Tunable RF and microwave photonic sideband generator based on cascaded 49GHz and 200GHz integrated ring resonators

We demonstrate a continuously RF tunable orthogonally polarized optical single sideband (OP-OSSB) generator based on dual cascaded micro-ring resonators. By splitting the input double sideband signal into an orthogonally polarized carrier and lower sideband via TE- and TM-polarized MRRs, an OP-OSSB signal is generated. A large tuning range of the optical carrier to sideband ratio of up to 57.3 dB is achieved by adjusting the polarization angle of the input light. The operation RF frequency of the OP-OSSB generator can be continuously tuned with a 21.4 GHz range via independent thermal control of the two MRRs. Our device represents a competitive approach towards OP-OSSB generation with wideband tunable RF operation, and is promising for photonic RF signal transmission and processing in radar and communication systems.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2018

Emerging applications of integrated optical microcombs for analogue RF and microwave photonic signal processing

We review new applications of integrated microcombs in RF and microwave photonic systems. We demonstrate a wide range of powerful functions including a photonic intensity high order and fractional differentiators, optical true time delays, advanced filters, RF channelizer and other functions, based on a Kerr optical comb generated by a compact integrated microring resonator, or microcomb. The microcomb is CMOS compatible and contains a large number of comb lines, which can serve as a high performance multiwavelength source for the transversal filter, thus greatly reduce the cost, size, and complexity of the system. The operation principle of these functions is theoretically analyzed, and experimental demonstrations are presented.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2018

Optical wavelength conversion of high bandwidth phase-encoded signals in a high FOM 50cm CMOS compatible waveguide

We demonstrate wavelength conversion of QAM signals including 32GBd QPSK and 10GBd 16QAM in a 50cm long high index doped glass spiral waveguide. The quality of the generated idlers over a 10nm bandwidth is sufficient to achieve a BER performance below the HD FEC threshold (less than 3.8 x 10-3), with an OSNR penalty of less than 0.3 dB compared to the original signal. Our results confirm that this is a promising platform for nonlinear optical signal processing, a result of both very low linear propagation loss (less than 0.07 dB/cm) and the large material bandgap that ensures negligible nonlinear loss at telecom wavelengths.

physics.app-ph↗