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e have developed a method to engineer dispersion of crystalline resonators for the first time. This was possible with help of a novel resonator design, a “Photonic Belt Resonator” (PBR). The mode frequencies of such a resonator can be fine-tuned by changing the shape of the belt. We demonstrate striking enhancement of Kerr comb bandwidth generated in the new PBRs. The results are published in Optica
A method has been demonstrated for continuous tuning of double resonance-enhanced ultraviolet (UV) radiation of second harmonic generation in a dispersive beta barium borate (BBO) whispering gallery mode resonator. The tuning method is described in a recently published paper in Opt. Express. A patent is is pending for the tuning method as well.
Stellar intensity interferometer is proposed for observation of exoplanets and other dark space objects. Inspired by quantum ghost imaging and funded by NASA NIAC program, we have carried out an investigation of using star light and intensity interferometer technique to observe space objects such as exoplanets. The study addresses a novel aspect of stellar intensity interferometry, namely, the possibility to observe and characterize dark objects using distortions they impart on spatial coherence of thermal light sources. The initial results of the studied are now published in Physical Review A 88, 053837 (2013)
A wide-range efficient method for optical second harmonic generation based on a whispering gallery mode resonator made from crystalline beta barium borate has been reported. With a single BBO resonator, efficient second harmonic generation has been demonstrated over one octave wavelength range. The paper appears in Appl. Phys. Lett.
A paper “Impact of cavity spectrum on span in microresonator frequency combs” by Ivan Grudinin, Lukas Baumgartel, and Nan Yu is published in Optics Express. Mode crossings, total cavity dispersion and Raman lasing are studied as they determine the behavior of microcombs.
Our primary mission is to conduct basic research as well as develop techniques and instruments that rely on quantum properties of light and atomic systems for frequency control and sensor applications with particular emphasis on applications in space. We are also interested in applying the new techniques to fundamental physics research. Current major activity areas include advanced atomic clocks, atom interferometer inertial sensors, whispering gallery mode resonators, and lasers and photonics.
