Dynamical Fabry-Perot tuneable filter device

摘要

A Fabry-Pérot tuneable filter device is described with reflecting elements separated by an optical path length to form an optical resonator cavity. A first actuator means is directly or indirectly coupled with a first reflecting element. And the first actuator means is configured to modulate the optical path length between first and second reflecting elements by a modulation amplitude to thereby sweep the optical resonator cavity through a band of optical resonance frequencies with a sweep frequency of 70 kHz or more. And the mechanical coupling between selected elements of the arrangement is sufficiently low such that when operated at the sweep frequency, the selected elements act as a system of coupled oscillating elements. In addition or alternatively, the first actuator means is directly or indirectly coupled with the first reflecting element so as to substantially drive the first reflecting element only.

主权项

1. A tuneable VCSEL comprising:
a first and a second reflecting element separated by an optical path length to form an optical resonator cavity, a gain medium provided on top of one of the first and second reflecting elements, a first actuator means mechanically coupled with one or both of said first and second reflecting elements, said first actuator means being configured to modulate the optical path length between said first and second reflecting elements by a modulation amplitude, said first actuator comprising at least one piezo-electric actuator, an optical fiber waveguide coupled with one of the reflecting elements configured for coupling light out of the resonator cavity, wherein the surface of at least one of the first and second reflecting elements has a concave recess formed therein, wherein the waveguide is in direct contact with one of the reflecting elements, or wherein one of said first and second reflecting elements is formed by an end of said waveguide; and wherein one of the reflecting elements is formed by a plate, said plate having a free portion that is free to carry out plate vibrations and a supporting portion where the plate is supported.