Patent ID: 7116863
Filing Date: 2006-10-03
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
1. A wavelength tunable optical filter, comprising: two optical fibers or optical waveguides having optical axes aligned to each other; lenses for incident light and output light positioned between the optical fibers or optical waveguides; a first mirror and a second mirror positioned between the lenses and formed to face each other with an air gap formed therebetween; and thermal actuators supporting the first mirror, wherein the first mirror is actuated in any one of upward and downward directions by thermal expansion of the thermal actuator caused by an electrical current, and wherein both sides of the first mirror are connected to inner ends of thermal actuators, and wherein spacers are inserted between each outer end of the thermal actuators and each end of the second mirror which has a length elongated to outer ends of the thermal actuators, so as to keep a predetermined distance therebetween.