Micromachined wavelength tunable filter integrated with optical fiber

Abstract

Advanced research in miniaturizing components for fiber-optic communication systems is required to extend optical fiber from trunk line to the subscriber's end. WDM offers high capacity but requires the fabrication of selective add-drop filters. MEMS technology offers an effective way to fabricate these components at low cost. We present a micromachined tunable filter on chip, integrated with an optical fiber. We demonstrate that the reflected (drop-out) wavelength can be tuned by varying the coupling between the fiber grating and a movable silicon block.