Waveguide tunable bragg grating using compliant microelectromechanical system (MEMS) technology

摘要

A low cost waveguide tunable Bragg grating provides a flat passband and minimal crosstalk. A compliant material forms a waveguide that is imprinted with a Bragg grating and mounted on a MEMS actuator. Entropic materials such as elastomers, aerogels or other long-chain polymers may provide the necessary compliance. The application of a drive signal to the actuator deforms (squeezes or stretches) the compliant material thereby changing the Bragg spacing and shifting the resonant wavelength. The MEMS actuator can be an electrostatically or electromagnetically actuated comb-drive.