Tunable distributed feedback laser
US6754243B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 9, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jun 22, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 22, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01S5/4087
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A wavelength tunable laser includes a distributed feedback (DFB) array with first and second DFB laser diodes that generate first and second beams of light in first and second wavelength ranges. A microelectromechanical (MEMS) optical element selectively couples one of the first and second beams of light from the DFB laser array into an optical waveguide. The MEMS optical element includes a collimating lens and a thermal or electrostatic MEMS actuator for moving the collimating lens to select the one of the first and second beams of light. A focusing lens is located between the collimating lens and the optical waveguide. Alternately, the MEMS optical element includes a fixed collimating lens that collimates the first and second beams of light, a mirror, and a MEMS actuator for tilting the mirror to select the one of the first and second beams of light.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.