Tuneable Gigahertz Mode Spaced Frequency Combs

I propose to demonstrate the first optical frequency comb systems where the tooth spacing is tuneable by many free spectral ranges, and use this to introduce novel spectroscopic techniques and applications in selected areas of metrology, spectroscopy and medicine, creating both significant scientific and commercial impact.

The proposed comb system combines repetition frequency tuneable femtosecond pulse surface emitting semiconductor lasers with ytterbium fibre amplifier systems (YDFAs) and photonic crystal fibre (PCF) to enable this novel comb capability. The physical properties of the comb system, from the noise characteristics of the semiconductor laser at its centre, to that of the complete system will be investigated and compared to the current state of art systems.

A tuneable gigahertz repetition frequency source will enable the study of vibrational modes in nano-scale objects. For example PCF has radial vibrational modes in the GHz range, as do the protein shells of viruses. We will study these resonances by developing new spectroscopic techniques enabled by the tuneable comb system. We will study the enhancement and suppression of nonlinearities in PCF by resonantly exciting vibrational modes. We will also study the inactivation of viruses by resonantly exciting vibrations in their shells, causing them to break up.

The classic frequency comb has followed a development path similar to the laser; at its inception no one could imagine the vast range of applications it has enabled. The novel capabilities of this comb system will similarly enable many future applications and measurement techniques which will only be envisaged as the capability and international exposure of this system increases.

A key to the continuing success of the research theme started beyond this proposal will be strong national and international collaborations. I have established a strong and broad ranging network of collaborators and will continue to build this network throughout the proposal to enable this research to set the agenda and lead this new field into the future.

The proposed research will generate a wide range of societal and economic impacts.
In terms of societal impacts, the knowledge developed during this project will represent a unique spectroscopy and metrology capability in the UK. It will enable new experimental techniques, gaining a deeper insight into the physical properties of nano-scale objects. The proposed research has potential to stimulate cross-field research in massively multiplexed computing and ultra-low noise microwave generation, which could have many applications from metrology to next generation supercomputers to radar. Further to this there is potential for healthcare impact. The investigation of resonant inactivation of blood borne viruses could have profound impacts in society.
Economically, during the proposal we aim to generate IP and to exploit this in UK based spin-out companies over the course of the proposal. The comb system and developed spectroscopic techniques have potential commercial value as measurement tools for scientific applications, whilst the economic impact of the laser driven inactivation of drug resistant viruses could be profound. The proposal will train future scientists and develop strong interdisciplinary collaborations to increase the productivity of research undertaken in the UK.
Academically the proposal will generate impact including studies of the fundamental noise characteristics of the femtosecond semiconductor laser; new frequency comb capabilities; development of applications; new spectroscopic techniques; medical applications and the potential for selective laser driven virus inactivation and identification. The proposal creates impact within a number of areas of the ICT theme and also across discipline boundaries into medicine as well as potentially chemistry and nanotechnology.
The project will benefit several PhD and Masters research students, who will receive research training and development opportunities within my group. The proposed work will also benefit the broad range of academic and commercial collaborators who are involved in the project through access to the sources we are developing and the ongoing exploitation of it in applications and scientific studies. Further to these existing collaborators we will build new collaborations during the course of the fellowship, specifically engaging with academics in interdisciplinary fields in medicine and chemistry and areas of ICT such as the RF and microwave community on top of the photonics community.