Multimodality integrated microresonators using the Moire speedup effect. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38452084/)

These scientists wanted to make a special device called a microresonator even more useful. Microresonators are like tiny components in machines that help them work better. But usually, once a microresonator is made, it can only work in one specific way because of its shape.

So, these scientists came up with a clever way to change how the microresonator works even after it's made. They created a method called Moire speedup dispersion tuning that allows the microresonator to switch between three different modes of operation. This means the device can be used in different ways depending on what is needed.

They found that by using a special technique called electrical tuning with Vernier coupled rings switches, they could make the microresonator switch between operating as a Brillouin laser, a bright microcomb, or a dark microcomb. This means the device can be used for different purposes without needing to be changed physically.

The scientists also showed that this device can work in different ways across a wide range of applications and can be easily switched by using a single-pump wavelength. This means that one design can be used for many different tasks, making it very flexible and useful in different situations. Their work helps bring more flexibility and versatility to devices that are used in making machines work better.

Ji QX., Liu P., Jin W., Guo J., Wu L., Yuan Z., Peters J., Feshali A., Paniccia M., Bowers JE., Vahala KJ. Multimodality integrated microresonators using the Moire speedup effect. Science. 2024 Mar 8;383(6687):1080-1083. doi: 10.1126/science.adk9429. Epub 2024 Mar 7.