Master-Slave synchronization of silicon optomechanical nanobeam oscillators by external feedback

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates master-slave synchronization of two silicon optomechanical nanobeam oscillators via external optical feedback, advancing the potential for synchronized photonic integrated circuits.

Contribution

It provides the first experimental demonstration of master-slave synchronization in optomechanical oscillators using external feedback, with evidence ruling out resonant forcing.

Findings

Synchronization achieved in natural dynamics suppression regime

Experimental results match numerical model predictions

Potential for synchronized photonic circuits

Abstract

The remote synchronization of oscillators is essential for improving the performance, efficiency, and reliability of various systems and technologies, ranging from everyday telecommunications to cutting-edge scientific research and emerging technologies. In this work, we unequivocally demonstrate a master-slave type of synchronization between two self-sustained optomechanical crystal oscillators that interact solely through an external optical feedback stage. Several pieces of experimental evidence rule out the possibility of resonant forcing, and, in contrast to previous works, indicate that synchronization is achieved in the regime of natural dynamics suppression. Our experimental results are in agreement with the predictions of a numerical model describing the specific mechanical lasing dynamics of each oscillator and the unidirectional interaction between them. The outcomes of our study pave the way toward the synchronization of clock signals corresponding to far-placed processing elements in a future synchronous photonic integrated circuit.