Low phase noise K-band signal generation using polarization diverse single-soliton integrated microcombs

Frequency microcombs with microwave and millimeter-wave repetition rates provide a compact solution for coherent communication and information processing.The implementation of these microcombs using a CMOS-compatible platform further paves the way for large-scale photonic integration and modularity.Here,we demonstrate free-running soliton microcombs with K-band repetition rates with very low phase noise over a 4 GHz pump detuning range reaching−117(−123)dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset for a 19.7(10)GHz carrier without active pump stabilization,exceeding commercial electronic microwave oscillators at frequency offsets above 40 kHz.The minimum laser noise to soliton microwave signal transduction factor observed is−73dB.This noise performance is achieved using a hybridized dual-mode for soliton generation to achieve passive thermal stabilization and minimal soliton spectrum shift from prior Raman scattering and dispersive wave formation.We further examine the locking of the repetition rate to an external ultrastable photonic oscillator to illustrate the feasibility of phase noise suppression below the thermorefractive noise limits of microresonator frequency combs.