Integrated Electro‐Optic Frequency Combs: Theory and Current Progress

Abstract

Optical frequency combs (OFCs) have evolved into one of the most active areas of photonics, underpinning advancements in both fundamental science and commercial contexts. Electro‐optic modulation for OFC generation offers excellent versatility, stability, and phase coherence. With the rapid progress in micro‐nano fabrication techniques, electro‐optic frequency combs (EOFCs) have been realized on many integrated platforms, including silicon on insulator (SOI), indium phosphide (InP), and lithium niobate on insulator (LNOI). These compact, low‐cost, and energy‐efficient EOFCs support a wide range of applications. In this study, we review the theory for the generation of integrated EOFCs, summarize the demonstrations on the main integrated platforms, present applications, and envision the development directions of integrated EOFCs in view of materials, devices, and applications.