title: Frequency response of thermo-optic tuning mechanism of planar silica optical multiplexer.
abstract: The thermo-optic mechanism provides a simple means of tuning the wavelength of interferometric optical multiplexers constructed from planar silica waveguides upon a silicon substrate. Frequencydomain measurements of the tuning response permit an understanding of the tuning mechanism that is relevant to the design of components for applications in which wavelength-tracking error and cross-talk penalty are important. Measurements on a prototype device have shown a primary low-pass breakpoint at 360 Hz but have also highlighted the possibility of secondary mechanisms affecting the low-frequency response. A continually increasing phase lag at higher frequencies has also been detected and must be allowed for in control-circuit design.
authors.forename: K D
authors.initials: KD
authors.lastname: Fitchew
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Toba
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Oda
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Takato