Hybrid connection for optical fibres includes diffraction grating and Fabry-Perot cavities providing wavelength selection

摘要

The hybrid connection links an optical fibre (2) and electrical signal transport lines. An assembly of light intensity modulators is provided, each modulator including a Fabry-Perot cavity. The optical length of the cavity may be adjusted to provide wavelength tuning. The cavities each comprise a pair of electrodes with an electro-optic material between the electrodes. The hybrid connection between at least one optical fibre (2) and electrical signal transport lines comprises an assembly of light intensity modulators (52), with a coupling lens including a diffraction grating (32). This couples optical signals of different wavelengths carried by an optical fibre with respective modulators of the assembly. Connections are provided between the modulators and the respective electric signal transport lines, with controls responding to control signals received via an optical fibre and/or at least one of the electric signal transfer lines. Each modulator has a Fabry-Perot cavity which is tuned in wavelength by the control system. The optical length of each Fabry-Perot cavity is varied as a function of an electric signal in order to generate light intensity modulation at the tuned wavelength.