Rugged optical filter and switch for communication networks

Abstract

The rugged filter/switch cavity includes at least a two section low thermal expansion glass tubular frame, each section with a highly polished edge for abutting engagement and rigid gripping by electrostatic attraction to maintain the cavity integrity. Each frame section supports a multi-layer low loss thin film mirror in opposing relation to define the cavity gap. One mirror is fixed in the first section and the other mirror is carried by a diaphragm portion of the other section for axial movement toward and away from the first mirror to tune the cavity to different frequencies. Coaxially aligned optical fibers, affixed to each section by flexible epoxy, guide light from a broadband source including, one or more signals, into the first section, through the first mirror and back and forth between mirrors until the cavity is resonant to a signal to be selected which signal then exits the cavity via the second mirror and the other optical fiber. The cavity is tuned by piezo electric transducers moving the diaphragm to change the gap. A predetermined potential applied to the transducers will select the desired filter frequency. To switch between signal frequencies, control means capable of exhibiting or storing potentials or control signals similarly selects the gap setting corresponding to the frequencies to be switched.