Patent ID: 7187818
Filing Date: 2007-03-06
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
1. A planar lightwave circuit device comprising: a planar lightwave circuit including: stress applying means for inducing one of a compressive and a tensile stress to the optical layer in the plane thereof for modifying a performance characteristic of the planar lightwave circuit; wherein the stress applying means comprises a package base including a first support structure for suspending the planar lightwave circuit above a portion of the package base, the package base having a second coefficient of thermal expansion that differs from the first coefficient of thermal expansion, whereby a change in temperature causes the first support structure to induce one of a compressive and a tensile stress in the plane or parallel to the plane of the optical layer; and wherein the first support structure comprises: a first support wall portion extending from the package base to the planar lightwave circuit, and a second support wall portion extending from the package base to the planar lightwave circuit, defining a gap therebetween.