Generation of Kerr Frequency Combs using Saddle-Shape microresonators

Frequency comb sources play an important role in optical sensing, accurate optical clocks, and in fundamental research. In particular, Kerr frequency Combs (KFC) generated in Whispering Gallery Mode (WGM) microresonators are of great interest due to their small dimensions, and low power consumption. However, the lack of mechanical stability prevents the implementation of fiber-coupled WGM devices in real life applications. This paper presents, for the first time, a packaged KFC source generated in a high-Q silica Saddle-Shape Microresonator (SSM). The SSMs exhibit both “azimuthal” and “axial” KFCs, where the latter is characterized by low repetition rates. Additionally, a Raman laser source is demonstrated in an SSM, providing further potential for this package as a stable optical source.