ARRAYED-WAVEGUIDE GRATING HAVING TAILORED THERMAL-SHIFT CHARACTERISTICS AND AN OPTICAL ASSEMBLY EMPLOYING THE SAME

摘要

An arrayed-waveguide grating (AWG) whose thermal-shift characteristics can be tailored to match the corresponding characteristics of another optical device (e.g., a solid-state laser or modulator) to which the AWG is intended to be coupled. In one embodiment, the physical means that enable the match of the thermal-shift characteristics include one or more wedge-shaped structures placed into one or both of the waveguide-coupling regions of the AWG. By appropriately selecting the structure's material, shape, and orientation and also the number of structures, the AWG can be manufactured to have substantially the same thermal-shift coefficient as the other optical device. As a result, the AWG can advantageously remain in optimal spectral alignment with the optical device despite temperature fluctuations and, as such, does not require a thermostat or temperature controller for proper operation.