Patent ID: 7706045
Filing Date: 2010-04-27
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
1. Method for tuning a multistage etalon tunable dispersion device (TDC) wherein the TDC comprises at least two etalon stages and wherein the etalon stages comprise a twin cavity of an FP etalon and a GT etalon and the heating device is adjacent to the GT etalon the method comprising the steps of transmitting an optical signal through the TDC while controlling the temperature of each etalon stage at a first temperature, then changing the temperature of at least some of the stages to a second temperature to produce a temperature change and a dispersion change, wherein the temperature change is caused by a adjusting separate heating devices for each etalon stage and occurs over a time period D, and wherein during time period D the temperature change is continuous and monotonic, the dispersion change is continuous and monotonic, and the optical signal does not go through periods of incremental impaired quality.