Laser soliton microcombs heterogeneously integrated on silicon

Chip-based frequency combs The realization of optical combs, light sources with precisely spaced frequencies across a broad spectrum wavelengths, in dielectric microresonators has affected range applications from imaging and ranging to precision time keeping metrology. Xiang et al. demonstrate that the entire system, laser-pumping system comb-generating microresonators, can be combined into an integrated silicon-based platform. Compatibility foundry fabrication methods will enable this innovation have major impact on coherent communications, interconnects, low-noise microwave generation. Science , abh2076, issue p. 99