Abstract: The present invention relates to a tunable optical device 10 that includes an optical fiber device 12 having optical properties that vary with temperature and a heater 14. The heater 14 is thermally coupled to the optical fiber device 12. The heater 14 includes a metal layer 18 and two electrical contacts 20, 22 that are electrically connected to the metal layer 18. The electrical contacts 20, 22 are spaced apart from one another along the metal layer 18. The electrical resistance of the portion of the metal layer 18 between the contacts 20, 22 varies with temperature and serves as a resistive heater. The invention also includes a controller 16 that is electrically connected to the heater 14. The controller 16 provides electrical power to the heater 14 and measures the electrical voltage across the heater 14. The controller 16 compares the measured electrical voltage to a pre-selected reference value. The controller then regulates the amount of electrical current supplied to the heater 14.

Abstract: A fluid encapsulated MEMS optical switch includes an optical waveguide matrix with MEMS mirrors situated in trenches located at waveguide cross-points. The trenches are filled with collimation-maintaining fluid and the mirrors are immersed therein. The collimation maintaining fluid prevents the light beam from spreading when it enters the switch cross-points. This feature enables the use of much smaller MEMS mirrors and prevents some of the typical MEMS mirror problems found in the related art. In particular, the MEMS mirror disclosed in the present invention is reduced to approximately 15 &mgr;m wide and 2 &mgr;m thick, resulting in shorter actuation distances of approximately 15 &mgr;m. This feature results in an optical switch having faster switching times.

Abstract: A fluid encapsulated MEMS optical switch includes an optical waveguide matrix with MEMS mirrors situated in trenches located at waveguide cross-points. The trenches are filled with collimation-maintaining fluid and the mirrors are immersed the rein. The collimation maintaining fluid prevents the light beam from spreading when it enters the switch cross-points.