Low-noise frequency synthesis and terahertz wireless communication driven by compact turnkey Kerr combs

Kunpeng Jia (), Yuancheng Cai, Xinwei Yi, Chenye Qin, Zexing Zhao, Xiaohan Wang, Yunfeng Liu, Xiaofan Zhang, Shanshan Cheng, Xiaoshun Jiang, Chong Sheng, Yongming Huang (), Jianjun Yu, Hui Liu, Biaobing Jin, Xiaohu You, Shi-ning Zhu, Wei Liang (), Min Zhu () and Zhenda Xie ()
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Kunpeng Jia: Nanjing University
Yuancheng Cai: Purple Mountain Laboratories
Xinwei Yi: Nanjing University
Chenye Qin: Nanjing University
Zexing Zhao: Nanjing University
Xiaohan Wang: Nanjing University
Yunfeng Liu: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Xiaofan Zhang: Nanjing University
Shanshan Cheng: Nanjing University
Xiaoshun Jiang: Nanjing University
Chong Sheng: Nanjing University
Yongming Huang: Purple Mountain Laboratories
Jianjun Yu: Purple Mountain Laboratories
Hui Liu: Nanjing University
Biaobing Jin: Nanjing University
Xiaohu You: Purple Mountain Laboratories
Shi-ning Zhu: Nanjing University
Wei Liang: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Min Zhu: Purple Mountain Laboratories
Zhenda Xie: Nanjing University

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: Abstract High frequency microwave, spanning up to terahertz frequency, is pivotal for next-generation communication, sensing and radar. However, it faces fundamental noise limitations when frequency is pushed towards such boundary of conventional electronic technologies. Photonic microwave generation, particularly Kerr-comb-based microwave source, benefits from high frequency operation but still suffers from phase noise constraints. Here we overcome this drawback by developing a compact, electrically-driven Kerr comb system that achieves near quantum-limited phase noise for microwave synthesis up to 384 GHz. Leveraging high-Q fiber Fabry-Perot resonators and optimized noise modeling under limited pump power, we demonstrate ultra-low phase noise performances of −133 dBc/Hz (10.1 GHz) and −95 dBc/Hz (300 GHz) at 10 kHz offset, approaching quantum noise limits. This breakthrough enables 64QAM modulation in terahertz wireless communication and record 240 Gbps data rate without need for carrier phase estimation. Our device can serve as a key building block for the future information technology.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-60630-7

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