Optical wavemeter

#Knowing the wavelength of an optical signal is important when analyzing a signal of an unknown optical source, but also when the output of a (tunable) laser source must be conditioned according to pre-defined parameters, e.g. the wavelength.

#Optical wavemeters allow the measurement of a wavelength of an optical source, often a narrowband optical source such as a laser. These optical wavemeters have practical applications such as continuous or continual monitoring of the wavelength of an optical source. Additionally, optical wavemeters have application in optical spectrum analyzers or wavelength-meters to provide a way to measure the wavelength of a reference signal and thus increase the accuracy of the actual measurement.

#Many known wavemeters are based on bulk optical components disposed on a benchtop. Such benchtop devices are comparatively expensive, require an undesirable amount of space for implementation, and have a comparatively limited update rate.

#The representative embodiments are best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawing figures. It is emphasized that the various features are not necessarily drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions may be arbitrarily increased or decreased for clarity of discussion. Wherever applicable and practical, like reference numerals refer to like elements.

#FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic diagram of an optical wavemeter an optical wavelength in accordance with a representative embodiment.

#FIG. 2 is a graph of optical power versus wavelength in accordance with a representative embodiment.

#In the following detailed description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, example embodiments disclosing specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of an embodiment according to the present teachings. However, it will be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure that other embodiments according to the present teachings that depart from the specific details disclosed herein remain within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, descriptions of well-known apparatuses and methods may be omitted so as to not obscure the description of the example embodiments. Such methods and apparatuses are clearly within the scope of the present teachings.

#The terminology used herein is for purposes of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. The defined terms are in addition to the technical and scientific meanings of the defined terms as commonly understood and accepted in the technical field of the present teachings.

#Unless otherwise noted, when a first element (e.g., an optical waveguide) is said to be connected to a second element (e.g., another optical waveguide), this encompasses cases where one or more intermediate elements or intervening devices may be employed to connect the two elements to each other. However, when a first element is said to be directly connected to a second element, this encompasses only cases where the two elements are connected to each other without any intermediate or intervening devices. Similarly, when a signal is said to be coupled to an element, this encompasses cases where one or more intermediate elements may be employed to couple the signal to the element. However, when a signal is said to be directly coupled to an element, this encompasses only cases where the signal is directly coupled to the element without any intermediate or intervening devices.