Optical Science and Engineering ETDs

Publication Date

Spring 5-16-2026

Abstract

Optical frequency combs consist of equidistant optical frequencies and have numerous applications ranging from optical metrology to medical diagnostics. Initially, frequency combs were based on bulky mode-locked lasers, but advancements in integrated photonics enabled the generation of frequency combs in chip-scale resonators (microcombs) using Kerr nonlinearity. These miniaturized systems present various challenges, including increased propagation losses, enhanced thermal effects, and the extension of microcombs to visible wavelengths. In this dissertation, I will focus on addressing these challenges in silicon nitride (SiN) resonators. First, this thesis focuses on the fabrication of high-Q SiN resonators and the impact of fabrication parameters on optical properties. Then I present the design of SiN resonators near visible wavelengths to obtain octave spanning spectra with dual harmonic dispersive waves. Finally, this work examines how thermal effects complicate comb formation dynamics, models thermal fluctuations using a finite element method simulation, and compares simulation results with experimental measurements.

Degree Name

Optical Science and Engineering

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Optical Science and Engineering

First Committee Member (Chair)

Tara Drake

Second Committee Member

Victor Acosta

Third Committee Member

Tito Busani

Fourth Committee Member

Daniel Feezell

Keywords

Frequency combs, silicon nitride, Kerr microresonators, nanofabrication, dispersion engineering

Document Type

Dissertation

Language

English

Download

Included in

Optics Commons

Share

COinS