On the phase noise performance of microwave and millimeter-wave signals generated with versatile Kerr optical frequency combs

We investigate the phase noise performance of micro-and millimeter-wave signals generated using a ultra-high Q whispering gallery mode disk-resonator with Kerr nonlinearity. Our study focuses on the stability of the optical spectra and on the performances of the corresponding microwave and millimeter-wave beat notes in terms of power and phase noise. The blue slope of an optical mode of the resonator, allowing for the generation of optical frequency combs, is accurately explored in order to identify various comb patterns. Each of these patterns is characterized in the optical and radio-frequency domains. Phase noise levels below -100 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset have been achieved for beat notes in the radio-frequency spectrum at 12 GHz, 18 GHz, 24 GHz, 30 GHz, and 36 GHz with the same resonator. (C) 2016 Optical Society of America