John Taylor, Professor of Economics at Stanford University and developer of the "Taylor Rule" for setting interest rates | Stanford University
John Taylor, Professor of Economics at Stanford University and developer of the "Taylor Rule" for setting interest rates | Stanford University
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a groundbreaking new type of frequency comb that could revolutionize precision measurement in personal electronic devices. The study, detailed in Nature, introduces a compact and energy-efficient laser microcomb that has the potential to bring high-precision measurement capabilities to everyday electronics.
Hubert Stokowski, a postdoctoral scholar at Stanford and lead author of the study, explained, “The structure for our frequency comb brings the best elements of emerging microcomb technology together into one device. We can potentially scale our new frequency microcomb for compact, low-power, and inexpensive devices that can be deployed almost anywhere.”
The innovative device, named Integrated Frequency-Modulated Optical Parametric Oscillator (FM-OPO), combines two strategies for creating distinct frequencies of light. By utilizing thin film lithium niobate, the researchers were able to overcome the limitations of traditional frequency combs, such as energy inefficiency and bulky equipment.
Amir Safavi-Naeini, associate professor at Stanford and senior author of the study, expressed excitement about the potential applications of the new technology, stating, “We’re very excited about this new microcomb technology that we’ve demonstrated for novel types of precision sensors that are both small and efficient enough to be in someone’s phone someday.”
The microcomb system developed by the researchers demonstrated exceptional performance characteristics, producing a continuous output with reduced input power requirements and offering a flat comb structure for greater accuracy in measurement applications. Martin Fejer, a study co-author and professor at Stanford, highlighted the significance of the new technology and its practicality for various fields including sensing, spectroscopy, medical diagnostics, and wearable health-monitoring devices.
Stokowski emphasized the versatility of the microcomb chip, stating, “The technology we’ve demonstrated could go inside a low-powered personal device, the size of a phone or even smaller, and serve all kinds of useful purposes.”
With further development and refinement, the new microcomb technology holds the potential for mass-market adoption in personal electronics, marking a significant advancement in the field of precision measurement.
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