Optical frequency combs: Introduction, sources and applications

This tutorial will review the topic of optical frequency combs, with an emphasis placed on practical details related to the operation of optical frequency combs for various applications. The tutorial will begin with a brief historical perspective, including discussion of key developments in the late 1990´s that ushered in the era of femtosecond laser frequency combs. From there, we will cover the construction, major components, and operation principles of several of the most common types of optical frequency combs. Finally, we will highlight important applications of these frequency combs to research areas such as frequency metrology, optical clocks, precision spectroscopy, optical/microwave synthesis, timing synchronization/ distribution, and attosecond science.