Chip-Scale Optomechanical Oscillator

Compact and power-efficient signal sources are essential for chip-scale photonic systems that require stable low-frequency operation. However, existing approaches often rely on bulky external RF drivers or suffer from limited frequency stability, which restricts their integration and scalability. We demonstrate a CMOS-compatible optomechanical oscillator (OMO) fabricated on a silicon-on-insulator platform, aiming to overcome the reliance on external RF drivers and improve frequency stability. The device generates self-sustained signals in the MHz regime through purely optical optomechanical interaction. No external RF drivers are required. The oscillator also shows nonlinear dynamical features, such as harmonic generation and waveform transitions. These effects are controlled only by laser--cavity detuning. The OMO enables precise and stable frequency generation within a compact footprint. This CMOS-compatible design provides a versatile building block for integrated photonic architectures, such as distributed fibre optic sensing (DFOS) systems that demand robust and low-noise signal sources.