Optical filter apparatus based on cascaded acousto-optical tunable filters

摘要

A configuration of acousto-optical tunable filters (AOTF) having stable output characteristics so that the output does not significantly vary with time. The configuration includes a plurality of AOTFs cascaded together. Each AOTF generates a surface acoustic wave in an optical waveguide in accordance with RF signals applied to the AOTF. A phase of a beat generated by the RF signals applied to one of the plurality of AOTFs is different from a phase of a beat generated by the RF signals applied to a different AOTF of the plurality of AOTFs.