title: High-speed tuning of visible laser wavelength using a nanoimprinted grating optical tunable filter.
abstract: We report on a microelectromechanical tunable optical filter incorporating strain-tunable nanoimprinted elastomeric grating with a pitch varied by 18%. This device enables tuning of optical fiber-guided laser wavelength between lambda=473 and 532 nm within 0.5 ms by mechanically modulating the pitch with a silicon microactuator. We also demonstrate the use of the device for obtaining two-color images of livedead-stained cells with the color intensity ratio varied by the actuator voltage applied. The small structure of the device integrated on a silicon chip may be used in portable systems for optical switching and spectroscopy.
authors.forename: Nien-Tsu
authors.initials: NT
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.forename: Steven C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Truxal
authors.forename: Yi-Chung
authors.initials: YC
authors.lastname: Tung
authors.forename: Amy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hsiao
authors.forename: Shuichi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Takayama
authors.forename: Katsuo
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kurabayashi