Kerr Optical Frequency Combs With Multi-FSR Mode Spacing in Silica Microspheres

We experimentally demonstrate Kerr optical frequency combs (OFCs) with mode spacing of 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 8 free spectral ranges (FSRs) corresponding to 0.4, 0.8, 1.2, 2, 2.4, and 3.2 THz, respectively, in silica microspheres pumped by CW C-band lasers in the anomalous dispersion range. Experimental realizations are based on using standard telecom equipment and components such as SMF-28e fiber for producing microspheres and fiber tapers for pump coupling and OFC outcoupling. Numerical simulation is performed to support the experimental results and explain the observed spectral asymmetry in OFCs by the influence of the 3rd-order dispersion.