Patent ID: 6396605
Filing Date: 2002-05-28
Classification: H04B

Abstract:
An apparatus using an optical signal for tuning an optical interferometer comprising:means for generating a dithering signal; means applying portion of said dithering signal to the optical signal so as to provide an optical signal having a varying wavelength; an optical interferometer having an optical path length that is tunable, said optical interferometer being responsive to the optical signal having a varying wavelength and a path length adjustment drive signal and being operative to develop a first interference pattern when said optical path length is a prescribed value and being operative to develop a second interference pattern when said optical path length is changed; means responsive to the optical interference pattern and being operative to develop an electronic feedback signal when said first interference pattern is not present; and means responsive to a portion of said dithering signal and said electronic feedback signal and operative to produce said optical path length adjustment drive signal, said optical path length adjustment drive signal serving to change the optical path length until it reaches said prescribed value, thereby producing said first interference pattern and tuning said optical interferometer.