In recent years, microcomb technology has emerged as a transformative tool in photonics, providing a compact and energy-efficient on-chip source for optical frequency combs that have wide-ranging applications in high-precision metrology, frequency synthesis, and optical communications^[1–3]. Generated in high-Q microresonators, microcombs have gained attention due to their ability to generate broadband optical combs in a small footprint, offering much compactness over traditional laser-based frequency combs. Most notably, microcombs can provide large-scale parallel frequency with compressible noise, making them a cornerstone technology for next-generation integrated photonic information systems^[3–5].

Wang and his colleagues have provided an impressive and thorough review of the latest advancements in microcomb technology^[6]. This comprehensive review delves into the fundamental principles behind microcomb generation, exploring nonlinear effects such as four-wave mixing (FWM) that enable multiple frequency generation within a single microcavity. This unique capability allows for the simultaneous generation of many optical channels, which is crucial for the development of scalable systems capable of parallel data processing. Such systems can handle information with ultra-high throughput, paving the way for applications in telecommunications, high-speed data processing, and even quantum computing^[7].

One of the most exciting prospects of microcomb technology is its potential to revolutionize the way that integrated photonic systems are built. By utilizing microcomb generation within microcavities, it becomes possible to integrate multiple photonic channels onto a single chip, enabling systems that can process data in parallel at speeds and scales previously thought unattainable^[8]. This ability to scale and integrate optical frequency sources is a key step toward the development of next-generation photonic circuits capable of massive parallel processing, which is critical for advanced applications like optical computing and real-time data analytics^[9].

Moreover, the review emphasizes the integration challenges associated with microcomb technology. While the potential is clear, realizing fully integrated, high-performance microcomb systems requires overcoming significant hurdles related to fabrication, noise control, and power efficiency^[10]. Recent advancements in materials such as silicon nitride (SiN), coupled with improved fabrication techniques like heterogeneous integration, are paving the way for the commercialization of these technologies^[11]. As microcombs become more easily integrable with existing photonic systems, the prospect of scalable, parallel processing systems that combine the power of optics and electronics becomes increasingly feasible.

In conclusion, microcomb technology holds immense promise in advancing integrated photonic systems, particularly by providing scalable, parallel solutions for high-speed data processing. As the large-scale integration technology matures, it is poised to play a crucial role in the development of next-generation photonic information systems, driving innovations in telecommunications, quantum computing, and beyond. The ability to integrate large numbers of frequency channels onto a single chip will undoubtedly revolutionize how data is processed, stored, and transmitted in the future.