Patent · US Expired

Tunable optical filtering component

US7239001B2 · kind B2 · utility

4Cited by
9References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 15, 2002
Grant dateJul 3, 2007
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 25, 2023

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG02B26/001
  • WIPO fieldOptics
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

The invention relates to wavelength-selective and tunable optical filters for transmitting the light in a narrow optical spectral band, centered around an adjustable wavelength, and for blocking the transmission of wavelengths lying outside of this band.In a micromachined monolithic structure containing the optical filter proper, the component comprises a low-absorption light detection element used for slaving the tuning control of the filter to a wavelength received by the filter, this element transmitting the majority of the radiation at this wavelength. The filter is a Fabry-Pérot interferometric filter, the cavity (C) of which is tuned to a value that maximizes the power detected by the light detection element. The filter is preferably based on layers of indium phosphide and air gaps. The detection element preferably comprises a layer of gallium-indium arsenide 74 suitable for detection of the intended wavelength band.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.