A collaborative research team from Peking University and the Aerospace Information Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has made progress in ultra-fast computing and communication technologies with the development of a novel photonic clock chip. Their work was published in Nature Electronics.

To tackle the synchronization challenges in optoelectronic systems, the researchers developed an on-chip microcomb oscillator. This innovation enables precise timing across a broad frequency spectrum, ranging from megahertz (MHz) to 105 gigahertz (GHz).

MHz frequencies, often regarded as the fundamental "heartbeat" of modern technology, are essential for systems such as radio communications, early computing, and Wi-Fi networks. GHz frequencies, on the other hand, drive high-speed applications, including advanced computing, 5G/6G networks, and next-generation communication systems.

The study’s key breakthrough is the integration of an ultra-high-Q resonator microcomb with self-injection locking technology. This configuration establishes a unified time-frequency reference, enabling seamless interoperability across diverse systems and applications.

In practical demonstrations, the team showcased a multi-band chip system that combines communication and sensing capabilities. The system supported simultaneous operations in 5G, 6G, and millimeter-wave remote sensing, demonstrating smooth transitions between communication and sensing modes without performance degradation. Notably, the system achieved centimeter-level sensing accuracy and 256-QAM modulation while maintaining full data capacity.

The implications of this study extend to multiple industries. For instance, the photonic clock chip has the potential to push processor clock frequencies beyond 100 GHz, unlocking unprecedented computational power. Additionally, it promises to significantly reduce energy consumption and operational costs for mobile base stations while enhancing sensing accuracy and response times in autonomous vehicles.

By addressing the synchronization challenges in optoelectronic systems, this research marks a step toward realizing more efficient, and more reliable technologies for the future.

Conceptual illustration of a microcomb-synchronized optoelectronic system. (Image by AIR)