Normal‐dispersion microcombs enabled by controllable mode interactions

Abstract

Abstract We demonstrate a scheme incorporating dual‐coupled microresonators through which mode interactions are intentionally introduced and controlled for Kerr frequency comb (microcomb) generation in the normal‐dispersion region. Microcomb generation, repetition rate selection, and mode locking are achieved with coupled silicon nitride microrings controlled via an on‐chip microheater. The proposed scheme shows for the first time a reliable design strategy for normal‐dispersion microcombs and may make it possible to generate microcombs in an extended wavelength range (e.g. in the visible) where normal material dispersion is likely to dominate. image