| 摘要 |
<p>The present invention relates to a tunable optical device (10) that includes an optical fiber device (12) having optical properties that vary with temperature and a heater (14). The heater (14) is thermally coupled to the optical fiber device (12). The heater (14) includes a metal layer (18) and two electrical contacts (20, 22) that are electrically connected to the metal layer (18). The electrical contacts (20, 22) are spaced apart from one another along the metal layer (18). The electrical resistance of the portion of the metal layer (18) between the contacts (20, 22) varies with temperature and serves as a resistive heater. The invention also includes a controller (16) that is electrically connected to the heater (14). The controller (16) provides electrical power to the heater (14) and measures the electrical voltage across the heater (14). The controller (16) compares the measured electrical voltage to a pre-selected reference value. The controller then regulates the amount of electrical current supplied to the heater (14). By regulating the amount of electrical current supplied to the heater (14) the temperature of the heater (14) is controlled.</p> |
