Actuator systems for deflecting optical waveguides, and devices for processing optical signals comprising same

Abstract

Actuator systems (10) are provided for inducing one or more static deflections, such as bends, in optical waveguides (12), to alter spectral characteristics of an optical signal transmitted through the waveguide. The actuator systems (10) can include actuators (28) that deflect the waveguide (12), and a controller (40) that controls the actuators (28) so that the deflections in the waveguide (12) are tailored to produce desired spectral characteristics in the optical signal. The actuator systems (10) can be used in conjunction with, for example, a fused fiber optic coupler (12) to form a wavelength selective switch. The actuator systems (10) can be used in conjunction with other types of waveguides to form other types of optical signal processors (14).

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.