Virtually imaged phased array (VIPA) having spacer element and optical length adjusting element

摘要

A virtually imaged phased array (VIPA) which receives an input light at a respective wavelength, and produces a spatially distinguishable output light in accordance with the wavelength of the input light. The VIPA has first and second surfaces. The second surface has a reflectivity which causes a portion of light incident thereon to be transmitted therethrough. The first and second surfaces are positioned so that the input light is reflected a plurality of times between the first and second surfaces to cause a plurality of lights to be transmitted through the second surface. The plurality of transmitted lights interfere with each other to produce an output light which is spatially distinguishable from an output light produced for an input light having any other wavelength within the continuous range of wavelengths. A spacer element has an approximately zero thermal expansion coefficient and maintains the relative positioning between the first and second surfaces to be constant. Moreover, an adjusting element is positioned between the first and second surfaces and is adjustable to change the optical distance between the first and second surfaces.