Patent ID: 7054525

Claim:
A device for tuning a reflector component formed in a portion of an optical waveguide including first and second ends, the optical waveguide configured to propagate a light, the reflector component being capable of reflecting the light at a reflection wavelength, the device comprising: means for compressing the optical waveguide portion and therefore the reflector component, to change a reflection wavelength; and prevention means for preventing buckling of the optical waveguide portion when the optical waveguide portion is compressed, wherein the prevention means comprises: a tube with first and second ends, the tube being crossed by the optical waveguide portion, and means for guiding the portion in the tube; wherein the means for compressing comprises: a curved deformable component, with first and second sides, first respective ends of the tube and the optical waveguide portion being attached to the first side, a second end of the tube being spaced apart from the second side and the second end of the optical waveguide portion being attached to the second side, and a piezoelectric actuator, positioned in a space between the curved deformable component and the tube, and attached to the component and to the tube, the actuator configured to extend when energized and then deforming the component, the latter being then configured to compress the optical waveguide portion.