Patent ID: 6480513
Filing Date: 2002-11-12
Classification: H01S

Abstract:
A tunable optical source comprising:a laser device configured to emit light over a first band of wavelengths; a waveguide positioned to receive light emitted by said laser device; a grating formed within and extending along at least a portion of said waveguide; a portion of said waveguide and said grating at least partially defining an external cavity with said grating limiting light exiting said external cavity in a particular direction to a second band of wavelengths that is narrower than, and contained within the first band of wavelengths; said second band of wavelengths depending on a set of one or more properties of said grating and said waveguide; and a mechanism for controllably changing at least one property in said set so as to change the location of said second band of wavelengths in accordance with said change in said at least one property.