Patent ID: 6865323

Claim:
A device for optically coupling a first waveguide to a second waveguide for transmitting a optical signal defined by a center wavelength therebetween, comprising: frame means for mounting in a fixed position relative to said first waveguide; an expansion element, one end of which is connected to said frame means, for expanding or contracting in an expansion direction in response to an ambient temperature change, said expansion element having a coefficient of thermal expansion different than said frame means; a waveguide block pivotally connected to said frame means by arm means extending substantially perpendicularly to the expansion direction from opposite sides of said frame means, said waveguide block engaged with another end of said expansion element for supporting said second waveguide in a transmission direction relative to said first waveguide; whereby a shift in the center wavelength due to a change in ambient temperature is at least partially compensated for by movement of the second waveguide relative to the first waveguide resulting from the expansion or contraction of said expansion element.