  Optical frequency combs are an essential tool for precision metrology
experiments ranging in application from remote spectroscopic sensing of trace
gases to the characterization and comparison of optical atomic clocks for
precision time-keeping and searches for physics beyond the standard model. Here
we describe the architecture and fully characterize a telecom-band,
self-modelocking frequency comb based on a free-space laser with an Er/Yb
co-doped glass gain medium. The laser provides a robust and cost-effective
alternative to Er:fiber laser based frequency combs, while offering stability
and noise performance similar to Ti:sapphire laser systems. Finally, we
demonstrate the Er/Yb:glass frequency comb's utility in high-stability
frequency synthesis using two ultra-stable optical references at 1157 nm and
1070 nm and in low-noise photonic microwave generation by dividing these
references to the microwave domain.
