Low-Voltage Continuous Tunable Hybrid Filter for Tailored Optical-Bandwidth Operation

Abstract

We describe the performance characteristics of a continuously tunable hybrid liquid-crystal filter over extended spectral ranges for implementation of multiwavelengths systems. This device is based on the linear electrooptic (Pockels) effect where tuning is achieved via externally applied voltage. A folded ten-stage S/spl caron/olc configuration is adopted which demonstrates a tuning range of 34 nm around 1550 nm. This opens the way to the achievement of various wavelength-division-multiplexing functions based on filtering [(de)multiplexers, add and drop devices, tunable emitters, etc.].