As photonics evolves, new devices emerge that can radically change the approach of science. One such breakthrough is the frequency comb. What once existed as a complex lab setup is now steadily entering commercial use – particularly in precision spectroscopy and optical metrology. Modern systems demand light sources that are not just stable but scalable, and this is precisely where frequency combs play a key role.
The essence is that frequency combs generate a series of narrow spectral lines with fixed frequency intervals. This enables unprecedented accuracy in spectrometer calibration, laser spectroscopy, interferometry, etc. Among the manufacturers actively advancing this technology is Innolume GmbH, offering high-precision QD comb lasers with unique customization capabilities. Their approach is especially valued in projects where standard solutions no longer work.
What makes frequency combs so precise?
Each line in a frequency comb is like a finely tuned clock. With strictly defined spacing – often between 25 and 100 GHz – high coherence, and ultra-low relative intensity noise (RIN below – 130 dB/Hz), frequency combs offer the kind of performance that precision measurement systems simply cannot function without.
Thanks to these properties, engineers and researchers can:
- calibrate spectrometers with an error margin of just a few kHz;
- maintain system stability even in fluctuating thermal conditions;
- integrate devices into complex optical systems without the need for deep adaptation.
Add to that the possibility of pulse-free operation – enabled by a saturable absorber, as used in Innolume’s comb lasers – and you get a stable, narrowband laser source without the pulsing issues typical of conventional mode-locked lasers. That’s a game-changer for interferometric or metrological applications where even minor fluctuations can distort results.
Application areas: where is this technology already used?
Frequency combs are no longer confined to research labs. They’re already playing a critical role in:
- Quantum communications, as multi-channel coherent light sources for quantum key distribution (QKD).
- Biomedical imaging, especially OCT, where multi-wavelength stability enhances both penetration depth and image resolution.
- Telecommunications, particularly in data centers and DWDM systems, where a single comb laser can replace dozens of individual lasers, reducing both cost and energy use.
Imagine a single compact device generating dozens of precisely spaced channels. That’s not just elegant engineering – it’s a significant simplification of system architecture and a boost in efficiency.
Why customization matters in real-world projects
Need a specific wavelength? A certain package? Special stability? Customization becomes essential. And this is exactly where Innolume’s approach shines.
The company offers:
- wavelengths in the 780–1350 nm range;
- flexible packaging – chip-on-carrier or fiber-coupled;
- channel spacing configurations up to 100 GHz;
- integrated optical isolators, ultra-low noise, and integration options for complex systems.
This is an approach where the manufacturer speaks the engineer’s language, thoroughly understands the specifics of the application, and tailors the product to real-world conditions — not the other way around.
Sometimes, a light source with a “non-standard” wavelength is required. Sometimes, a compact solution that easily integrates into an existing module is needed. And sometimes, the key factor is the power-to-stability ratio. In every case, a customized approach is essential for project success.
That’s why customization from Innolume is a big advantage – it’s a direct response to the demands of modern photonics, where one-size-fits-all solutions are becoming rare and challenges grow increasingly complex.
Final notes
Frequency combs are a vital tool in today’s science. And with partners like Innolume, executing even the most demanding projects becomes a matter of engineering – not limitation.