How does an optical frequency comb work?

An optical frequency comb works by generating a series of ultrafast laser pulses that are evenly spaced in time. Each pulse contains a wide range of optical frequencies, which are then separated and stabilized using advanced techniques. This results in a series of optical frequencies that are precisely known and evenly spaced.

What are some applications of optical frequency combs?

Optical frequency combs have a wide range of applications, including high-precision spectroscopy, frequency metrology, telecommunications, and sensing. They are used in research laboratories, industrial settings, and even in space-based experiments.

What are the advantages of using an optical frequency comb?

The main advantage of using an optical frequency comb is the high precision and accuracy it provides. Optical frequency combs can measure the frequency and wavelength of light with extreme precision, making them useful for a wide range of applications. They are also easy to use and can be implemented in a compact and portable form factor.

What are some factors to consider when choosing an optical frequency comb?

When choosing an optical frequency comb, it is important to consider factors such as frequency range, resolution, stability, and ease of use. The specific requirements will depend on the application, so it is important to consult with a specialist to determine the best solution for your needs.

Where can I find optical frequency combs?

Optical frequency combs are available from a wide range of manufacturers and suppliers, including those listed on FindLight's optical frequency comb page. It is important to choose a reputable supplier that offers high-quality products and reliable support.

Filter Products

>10 nm

500 - 1050 nm

1050 - 2100 nm

530 - 1080 nm

500 - 1100 nm

Non-Contact Inspection
Optical Metrology
Optical Frequency Combs

Optical Frequency Combs for Precision Light Detection

Optical Frequency Comb Sources - Mfr. Pilot Photonics (Ireland)

Request Quote

Sold by: Lasertech Photonics (India) Ships from: India

Specifications
Comb Spacing:	2500 MHz
Center Wavelength:	1550 nm
Oscillator Spectral Range:	>10 nm
Comb Wavelength Range And Options:	500 - 1050 nm, 1050 - 2100 nm, 530 - 1080 nm, 500 - 1100 nm

Did You Know?

In 2005, the Nobel Prize in physics was awarded to a German physicist named Theodor W. Hänsch for developing the first optical frequency comb synthesizer. This groundbreaking invention allowed scientists to begin measuring light wave frequencies at an extremely high level of precision unmatched by existing technologies. In addition to its accuracy, optical frequency combs can also measure very high frequencies that other detectors cannot. Together, these two properties make optical frequency combs useful for a variety of applications, such as optical clocks and laser calibration.

Related Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

An optical frequency comb is a device that produces a series of equally spaced optical frequencies, which can be used to measure the frequency and wavelength of light with extreme accuracy. They are used in a wide range of applications, including spectroscopy, sensing, and telecommunications.

What Are Optical Frequency Combs?

Optical Frequency Combs are laser sources whose emission spectrum consists of a series of discrete, equally spaced optical lines, analogous to a ruler in the frequency domain. In light detection and optical metrology, these combs provide a phase-coherent link between optical and radio frequencies, enabling extremely accurate measurements of wavelength, distance, and time.

Typical Optical Frequency Combs are based on mode-locked femtosecond lasers or microresonator combs. The two fundamental parameters are the repetition rate (line spacing) and the carrier-envelope offset frequency, both of which must be stabilized for high-precision metrology and spectroscopy applications.

Typical Specifications of Optical Frequency Combs

When evaluating Optical Frequency Combs on FindLight, buyers commonly compare:

Center wavelength / spectral coverage: e.g., 1.0–1.6 µm for telecom and frequency metrology, or visible to near-IR for spectroscopy.
Mode spacing (repetition rate): from tens of MHz to tens of GHz, impacting spectral resolution and detection electronics selection.
Average output power and per-line power: affects signal-to-noise ratio in heterodyne detection and multi-heterodyne spectroscopy.
Linewidth and phase noise: narrow linewidth and low phase noise are essential for precision frequency measurements.
Stabilization options: free-running, partially stabilized, or fully stabilized Optical Frequency Combs with integrated referencing to RF or optical standards.
Interface and control: availability of RF ports, synchronization inputs/outputs, and software control for repetition rate and offset frequency.

Use Cases in Light Detection and Metrology

Optical Frequency Combs are deployed in precision light detection tasks such as dual-comb spectroscopy, high-resolution absorption spectroscopy, distance measurement via interferometry, optical clock development, and calibration of spectrometers and wavelength meters. Their dense and stable frequency grid enables traceable, absolute measurements over broad spectral ranges.

Buyer Guidance on FindLight

On FindLight you can review detailed datasheets for Optical Frequency Combs, compare key specifications side by side, and evaluate suitability for your experimental setup or metrology system. Assess whether the repetition rate, spectral coverage, stabilization scheme, and interfaces match your existing lasers, detectors, and RF electronics.

When you identify suitable Optical Frequency Combs, you can request technical quotes and lead times directly from manufacturers and distributors. No registration is required to contact vendors, allowing you to efficiently source components for your light detection and optical metrology projects.