Optical phase shifter having an integrated planar optical waveguide and phase shifter element

摘要

An optical phase shifter including a constant phase shift element or a variable phase shift element, each introducing a desired and predetermined phase shift into an optical signal passing through the phase shifter. The phase shifter has coaxial first and second waveguides each with a core defining an optical path, through the first waveguide and having an output facet, and which waveguides are separated from each other by a predetermined distance. The phase shift element is disposed between the waveguides and an actuator is coupled to the phase shift element for causing selective movement of the phase shift element.