Variable dispersion compensator

A variable dispersion compensator comprising:

• an optical incidence/output device for propagating wavelength division multiplexed light, composed of an optical fiber and a lens;
• an optical multiplex reflector on which the wavelength division multiplexed light emitted from said optical incidence/output device is incident for repetitive reflections between a transmitting face and a reflecting face thereof;
• and
• a movable optical reflection device for reflecting the wavelength division multiplexed light emitted from said optical multiple reflector toward said optical multiple reflector, said movable optical reflection device being composed of a lens and a reflecting element and being capable of controlling the distance from said optical multiple reflector, and wherein
• a temperature adjusting element for controlling the temperature of said optical multiple reflector is arranged on a surface of said optical multiple reflector at a point where no drop occurs in the intensity of the wavelength division multiplexed light incident/emitted, and
• a thermal-conductive elastic member is interposed between the surface of said optical multiple reflector and said temperature adjusting element, wherein
• said reflecting face or said transmitting face of said optical multiple reflector is bonded to at least part of a peripheral wall lying on the periphery of an opening in a holder, said holder having the opening in its side.