Spectrum and Dynamics of Optical Frequency Combs Generated with Monolithic Whispering Gallery Mode Resonators

Abstract

Optical frequency comb generation in whispering gallery mode resonators has been demonstrated in several experiments. The spectra of the combs exhibit a wide variety of complex profiles that are not fully understood. We report a detailed study on frequency comb generation in whispering gallery mode resonators including a complete stability analysis and numerical simulations. We show that the interaction of dispersion and nonlinearity is the key in determining the stability of the comb, the complex characteristics of its spectral profile, and its frequency span. The results will be important for understanding the essential physical processes leading to efficient comb generation.