image: Figure 1. Conceptual design of the dual-microcomb based biomimetic acoustic mapper. Inspired by the auditory system of insects such as crickets, which is used for hunting, avoiding predators, and mating, we have developed a biomimetic fiber-optic acoustic sensing system. This system utilizes a chip-scale dual-microcomb light source to drive multiple acoustic probes through a fiber link. The entire setup is integrated into a portable, plug-and-play module with dimensions of 30×20×10 cm³.
Credit: Teng Tan et al.
In nature, insects possess multiple "ears" that operate in coordination with a central brain, forming a highly precise auditory system capable of accurate sound detection, localization, and recognition. Inspired by this concept in the field of optics, a central light source can be used to simultaneously drive numerous optical sensors, creating a networked array and microsystem. This approach can significantly expand the functionalities of optoacoustic sensing and enhances its performance, offering important scientific implications and broad application potential. In recent years, integrated optical frequency combs have demonstrated outstanding advantages in coherent wavelength division multiplexing. Optical communication and computing based on integrated optical frequency combs have successfully driven significant innovations in optical information science, greatly increasing system capacity. Currently, utilizing this technology as an "optical brain" can achieve large-scale "one-source-multi-drive" for sensors. This not only completes the final piece of the puzzle for high-capacity applications of frequency combs in sensing, communication, and computing but also provides new solutions for photonic Internet of Things (IoT).
In this study, we introduce and implement an innovative photonic-acoustic analysis scheme based on the concept of light-based auditory perception. By drawing from biomimicry, it seamlessly integrates dual optical combs, multi-sensor parallel processing, silicon-based photonic links, and intensive electronic signal processing. This fusion results in unprecedented capabilities: within a single photonic microsystem, it offers integrated high-sensitivity sound detection (minimum detectable pressure down to 29.3 nPa/Hz1/2), high-precision localization (resolution down to 0.3 cm), and accurate recognition (accuracy higher than 90%).
The scheme creatively utilizes the highly-coherent wavelength division characteristics of optical combs in optical sensing networks. It has set a new record by achieving parallel drive and demodulation of 108 optical probes. This comprehensive and high-performance system organically links biomimetic optics, integrated optoelectronics, fiber optic sensing technology, and artificial intelligence methods. It showcases new functional expansions and performance enhancements for "optical measurement tools," offering flexible deployment, practical automation, and intelligent effects. This provides a new optical solution for multidimensional and complex environments' "auditory" needs, demonstrating potential applications in urban monitoring, situational awareness, low-altitude economy, and information networking, among other areas.
Journal
eLight
Article Title
Biomimetic acoustic perception via chip-scale dual-soliton microcombs