Intelligent Single-Cavity Dual-Comb Source With Fast Locking

Abstract

Dual-comb source (DCS) generation occupies the central position to the versatilities of dual-comb applications. The single-cavity-based DCS generation is an emerging technology which provides superior mutual coherence between the two combs by sharing one laser cavity, therefore sophisticated active stabilization approaches are not necessary. However, the condition for starting and stabilizing dual-comb mode-locking in a single cavity is critical which hinder this technology towards practical applications. To resolve the bottleneck, we experimentally demonstrate the first intelligent single-cavity DCS by combining the real-time intelligent control module with the memory-aided intelligent searching algorithm. Given a tremendous six-dimensional parametric space, the intelligent DCS can operate under the dual-comb regime from a continuous wave state within a mean time of only 2.48 seconds. The dual-comb mode-locking state can be recovered automatically after interruption. The long-term stability of the intelligent DCS is validated as well through a 12-hour test in an open environment.