Scalable Coherent Photonic Array on a Silicon Platform

A new means for generation of arrayed, highly coherent, optical emitters is described. The new technology unifies basic advantages of cavityless silicon mixer engineering to provide emitter performance that cannot be matched by conventional technology. In contrast to standard devices, the new, all-silicon device allows for free frequency tuning of emitter modes, spectral purity in excess of 45dB, and per-frequency power that is not attainable by conventional frequency combs. More importantly, the new emitter allows for sub-10dB spectral equalization over the entire telecommunication band, without compromising mutual coherency of the individual modes. Unlike previously reported devices, the new technology relies only on commercial, all-silicon foundry technology. The new emitter allows for qualitatively new performance in low-SWaP LIDARS, EW, ELINT and LPI systems.