Abstract

Use of THz wave as a wireless carrier is being considered for next-generation mobile communications (6G); however, existing wireless electronics may face technical limitations such as upper frequency limit. If carrier conversion from THz waves to near-infrared light can be realized, existing optical communication platforms can be used without modification. In order to realize this "all-optical THz detection," we are considering the use of a soliton microcomb for an optical carrier and an electro-optic polymer (EOP) modulator for a THz-to-optical carrier converter. The EOP modulator achieves a carrier-to-sideband ratio (CSR) of 56 dB [1]. If SNR of microcomb modes is less than CSR, their modulated sideband cannot be generated. In this paper, we generate a high-SNR dual-wavelength laser light having the phase noise equivalent to that of the microcomb by injection-locking the microcomb to a pair of high-power CW lasers [2]. Then, we apply it to an all-optical THz detection together with an EOP modulator.

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