ETALONS.pptVIP

ETALONS Etalons are narrow band optical filters Etalons are used to select optical frequency (colour) from a broad spectrum input Etalons are used in a range of DWDM applications One of the very best optical filters is an etalon which is a Fabry Perot interferometer with a fixed optical path. What is an ETALON An etalon is an optical cavity of two partially reflecting mirrors (Fabry Perot Interferometer) separated by a fixed optical path as shown in Fig. 1. The cavity will only transmit light of a wavelength where there is constructive interference at the mirror surfaces. Constructive Interference Destructive Interference Interference Patterns The rays either constructively or destructively interfere in the interferometer. Thus a bright or dark spot is seen at output. Different rays travel different path lengths inside the cavity, and the FP becomes an angle filter Application Etalons are used with an optical pre-filter. Fine tuning of the etalon is accomplished by tilting the etalon to provide small changes to the angle of incidence between the incoming beam and the etalon. Finally, etalons can also be tuned by varying the temperature of the etalon. Solid ETALONS Solid etalons are fabricated from a single optical substrate (glass) with surfaces polished flat and with a uniform optical thickness. The surfaces of the etalon are coated to enhance the reflectivity (mirrors). A solid etalon is generally more compact, rugged, and has a higher acceptance angle (light input angle), but is more sensitive to temperature. Etalon Tuning SystemSchematic ETALON Locked Laser ETALON Locked Laser NORTEL NETWORKS CONFIDENTIAL High Performance Optical Component Solutions NORTEL NETWORKS CONFIDENTIAL High Performance Optical Component Solutions Capacitor d Fig.1 Optical Separation of Mirrors Fabry Perot Interferometer Constructive interference occurs where the crests and troughs of the two waves coincide. In this case, the two waves reinforce each other and combine to form a wav