Thermal and Nonlinear Dissipative-Soliton Dynamics in Kerr Microresonator Frequency Combs

Abstract

We explore the dynamical response of dissipative Kerr solitons to changes in pump power and detuning and show how thermal and nonlinear processes couple these parameters to the frequency-comb degrees of freedom. Our experiments are enabled by a Pound-Drever-Hall (PDH) stabilization approach that provides on-demand, radiofrequency control of the frequency comb. PDH locking not only guides Kerr-soliton formation from a cold microresonator, but opens a path to decouple the repetition and carrier-envelope-offset frequencies. In particular, we demonstrate phase stabilization of both Kerr-comb degrees-of-freedom to a fractional frequency precision below 10^-16, compatible with optical-timekeeping technology. Moreover, we investigate the fundamental role that residual laser-resonator detuning noise plays in the spectral purity of microwave generation with Kerr combs.