Complex-field optical oscilloscope for microcomb-based wavelength-multiplexed high-speed signals

Abstract

Traditional wavelength division multiplexing systems rely on bulky laser arrays that exhibit limited coherence and pronounced frequency drift. In contrast, dissipative Kerr soliton microcombs represent an advanced class of multiwavelength laser sources for optical fiber communication, capable of generating comb lines with outstanding frequency and phase stability. Their high coherence enables terabit-per-second optical transmission within a single integrated photonic chip. However, high-capacity communication systems pose substantial challenges for conventional wavelength division multiplexing signal detection and optical performance monitoring, mainly due to bandwidth limitations and difficulties in signal synchronization. In this work, we demonstrate a data transmission rate of 2.4 Tbit/s using 30 wavelength channels sourced from a stabilized dissipative Kerr soliton microcomb. By leveraging a proposed complex-field optical oscilloscope, we synchronously capture and analyze 30 × 80 Gbit/s quadrature phase-shift keying signals, enabling precise characterization of carrier frequency drifts in each channel. These findings underscore the potential of dissipative Kerr soliton microcombs, combined with advanced optical oscilloscopes, as a promising platform for next-generation terabit-scale optical transceivers.