Optical waveguide devices with electro-wetting actuation
US6829415B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 30, 2002 |
| Grant date | Dec 7, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 30, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/3594
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A tunable optical waveguide is enclosed in an enclosure containing a controllably moveable region of fluid with a refractive index greater than the optical fiber such that at least a first transmission property of the waveguide is modified when the region of fluid is moved. In a first embodiment, the optical device comprises a Bragg grating that is tuned by moving the fluid over the grating to vary the amplitude of desired wavelengths that are reflected back through the core of the fiber. In a second embodiment, the optical device comprises a long-period grating that is tuned by moving the fluid over the grating to vary the amplitude of desired wavelengths that are transferred into the cladding of the fiber and, as a result, to decrease the amplitude of those desired wavelengths that are transmitted through the core of the fiber.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.