MICROCOMB · Applications and Fundamentals of Microresonator Frequency Combs

The proposed network will establish and support cross-sectorial training and research programme bringing together leading European academic and industrial centers working in the area of optical frequency combs in microresonators (microcombs). The programme will allow to combine and share some of the world leading experience and expertise in the microcombs and train a new generation of scientists in this actively developing area bordering physics and photonic engineering and having pronounced applied and fundamental dimensions. The frequency comb research itself is the Nobel prize winning area (T. Hänsch and J. Hall, 2005), while the microcombs can qualify as an emerging disruptive technology. Europe still lacks a structured and comprehensive training programme in this area, which is proposed by our consortium, while facing a growing competiton with its global rivals. This programme will have a lasting impact increasing European innovation capacity through expanding knowledge base, new IP, trained personnel, better equipped laboratories and future collaborations leading to product development. Our project addresses research and technology problems with interdisciplinary importance from the areas of precision frequency metrology, ultrafast data processing, optical to RF signal conversion, astronomical measurements and soliton physics. Early stage researchers involved into the proposed network will receive broad and well balanced training in device characterisation and fabrication, experimental techniques and theory and modeling in best academic, research center and industrial environments. A programme of secondments and network wide events will ensure highest levels of cross-country and academia-industry mobility for our researchers. Soft-skills training events organised by such industrial consortium members as IBM, Menlo and AIRBUS will provide our researchers with career perspectives beyond their immediate research focus.