Tunable photonic devices and modules based on micro-optomechatronics

摘要

Photonic devices with ultra-wide and precise controllability for lightwaves are essential for constructing flexible optical networks to serve versatile multimedia applications. However, conventional monolithically fabricated photonic devices suffer from their controllability being limited by the physical characteristics. Micro-optomechatronics based on precise positional control of optical elements is a promising method of meeting the above requirements. This paper presents typical examples, which include repetition-rate tunable optical pulse sources with a micromechanically controllable cavity length and synchro-scanned tunable disk-shaped optical filter modules. The operations of these modules were demonstrated to confirm the validity of micro-optomechatronics as the ultimate lightwave control scheme, which will be useful for future optical telecommunications systems.