Abstract: An electric field that changes across space is synthesized, by applying voltage levels independent of one another at several locations. The independence in voltage levels allows the electric field that is synthesized to be made periodic or aperiodic. Such a synthesized electric field may be changed at any time for use in, for example, a tunable laser. In one embodiment, the voltage levels are oversampled, although in other embodiments the voltage levels need not be oversampled, e.g. if the to-be-synthesized electric field is aperiodic. Also, in one embodiment, the electric field is used to change the refractive index of an electro-optic substance (such as lithium niobate) in an optical filter. Such an optical filter can be used as part of a wavelength agile laser or in an optical add drop multiplexer or in an optical switch. Such a filter can also be used for dynamic power balancing and/or for dynamic gain equalization.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for synthesizing an electric field. In accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention, an electric field that changes across a distance in space is synthesized by applying voltage levels at several locations independently of one another. The independence in voltage levels allows the electric field that is synthesized to be made periodic or aperiodic. Such a synthesized electric field can be changed at any time for use in, for example, a tunable laser. According to an exemplary embodiment, the electric field is used to change the refractive index of an electro-optic substance in an optical filter. Such an optical filter can be used as part of, for example, a wavelength agile laser, an optical add drop multiplexer, an optical switch, or the like. Such an optical filter can also be used for dynamic power balancing, dynamic gain equalization, or the like.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for controlling the length of a laser cavity comprises a laser diode that is configured to produce a beam of energy, the laser diode has a first end and an output end, the first end being in optical communication with a highly reflective mirror. A wave guide having a receiving end and a transmission end is also provided, with the wave guide being comprised of an electro-optical material, wherein the receiving end is in optical communication with the output end, and the transmission end is in optical communication with an output coupler. A plurality of electrodes are disposed along a longitudinal axis of the wave guide, wherein the voltage on each electrode is independently controlled to alter the index of refraction of the wave guide at a position adjacent each electrode. A polarizer is also provided with respect to the transmission end, with the polarizer configured to attenuate the beam of energy.

Abstract: An electric field that changes across space is synthesized, by applying voltage levels independent of one another at several locations. The independence in voltage levels allows the electric field that is synthesized to be made periodic or aperiodic. Such a synthesized electric field may be changed at any time for use in, for example, a tunable laser. In one embodiment, the voltage levels are oversampled, although in other embodiments the voltage levels need not be oversampled, e.g. if the to-be-synthesized electric field is aperiodic. Also, in one embodiment, the electric field is used to change the refractive index of an electro-optic substance (such as lithium niobate) in an optical filter. Such an optical filter can be used as part of a wavelength agile laser or in an optical add drop multiplexer or in an optical switch. Such a filter can also be used for dynamic power balancing and/or for dynamic gain equalization.