Abstract

Parametric oscillation in Kerr resonators with correctly engineered higher-order dispersion permits the generation of parametric sidebands with large frequency shifts [1,2]. Such devices have recently been demonstrated in MgF₂ micro-disks [3], and silica microspheres [4], with sideband detunings in excess of 50 THz observed. To date, only wideband discrete tunability of the output sidebands has been reported [4]. In this contribution, we demonstrate that continuous sideband tunability is also possible by scanning the detuning of the pump laser across a single cavity mode. We present high-resolution experimental measurements with over 10 GHz of continuous tunability for a pair of parametric sidebands in an MgF2 micro-disk. This large continuous tuning range is enabled by the thermal shift of the resonator’s modes as the pump is brought into resonance [5].

© 2019 IEEE