Photonic chip frequency comb generation based on Kerr-mediated nonlinear optical processes in microresonators is promising for a number of applications in time and frequency metrology, spectroscopy, sensing, and communications. In this talk, I will discuss our work in developing soliton microresonator frequency combs whose spectral bandwidths exceed an octave, so that when self-referenced, they can be used as core components of optical frequency synthesizers and optical atomic clocks. I will present recent efforts to create even broader bandwidth microcombs and to access visible wavelengths, which is a particular challenge due to the large dispersion of the constituent materials. Finally, I will discuss some of the outstanding design and simulation challenges associated with the development of these microcombs.
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