PLATFORM WITH CONTROLLED THERMAL EXPANSION COEFFICIENT

摘要

A platform comprising a support providing a controlled thermal expansion coefficient in a given direction. The support is formed of a material having a first thermal expansion coefficient and is connected to a body having a second thermal expansion coefficient. The first thermal expansion coefficient is different from the second thermal expansion coefficient, such that a change in temperature causes a relative change in the dimensions of the support and the body in a direction perpendicular to the said given direction, thereby resulting in the variation of a force applied to the support by the body in the direction perpendicular to the said given direction to control the resultant expansion coefficient in the said direction. The use of the platform for mounting optical elements such as fibre Bragg gratings, Fabry-Perot cavities or telescopes is disclosed.