Interferometer apparatus and associated method
US6646747B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 17, 2001 |
| Grant date | Nov 11, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 1, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02F2201/20
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An optical interferometer apparatus and associated method including a beamsplitter, a first mirror, a second mirror, and a delay element. The beamsplitter splits an input optical signal into a first optical signal that flows along a first optical path and a second optical signal that flows along a second optical path. The first mirror reflects the first signal in the first path towards the beamsplitter to form a first return path. The second mirror reflects the second signal in the second path towards the beamsplitter to form a second return path. The delay element includes the first mirror that adjusts a time required for the first signal to flow from the beamsplitter along the first path, be reflected by the first mirror, and return along the first return path to the beamsplitter. The waveguide includes a region of changeable propagation constant disposed along a length of the waveguide.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.