EP1546793A2

EP1546793A2 - Device for tuning a bragg grating by means of compression using a piezoelectric actuator

Info

Publication number: EP1546793A2
Application number: EP03780281A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Michel Bugaud
Original assignee: Commissariat a lEnergie Atomique CEA
Current assignee: Commissariat a lEnergie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives CEA
Priority date: 2002-09-30
Filing date: 2003-09-26
Publication date: 2005-06-29
Also published as: WO2004029696A3; CA2500316A1; WO2004029696A2; JP2006501496A; FR2845166B1; FR2845166A1; US7054525B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for tuning a Bragg grating by means of compression using a piezoelectric actuator. The inventive device, which is intended, in particular, for optical telecommunications, comprises, for example: means (8) of compressing a segment (4) of optical fibre containing a Bragg grating (2); means (10) of preventing said segment from buckling; a tube (14), through which the aforementioned segment passes; and means (32, 34) of guiding the segment inside the tube. The compression means comprise a dished deformable element (8) and a piezoelectric actuator (20, 22) which is disposed between the deformable element and the tube. According to the invention, the piezoelectric actuator lengthens when excited and, in this way, causes the deformable element to bend, said element in turn compressing the segment.

Description

TUNING DEVICE OF A BRAGG NETWORK. BY COMPRESSION BY MEANS OF A PIEZOELECTRIC ACTUATOR

DESCRIPTION

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to a device for tuning a Bragg grating (“Bragg grating”) by compression of the latter. It applies in particular to optical telecommunications and, more particularly, to those which implement DWDM or dense wavelength division multiplexing ("Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing"). The invention makes it possible, for example, to form filters, routers or add-drop devices according to the wavelengths of incident optical signals.

STATE OF THE PRIOR ART

It is known to form a Bragg grating in an optical fiber and to use this grating as a tunable element in wavelength.

To tune this network, it is known to deform longitudinally the optical fiber in which it is located, so as to modify the pitch

("Pitch") of the network and therefore the wavelength response of the latter.

We already know tuning devices of a Bragg grating formed in an optical fiber, by compression of the latter along its axis longitudinal, while preventing the fiber from buckling.

On this subject, reference is made to the following documents: [1] US 5,469,520 “Compression-tuned fiber grating”

[2] WO 00/37969. "Compression-tuned Bragg grating and laser".

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION The subject of the present invention is a tuning device for a Bragg grating, which can be made very compact.

This device comprises a piezoelectric actuator for compressing the optical fiber, in which the network is formed, and means for preventing buckling of the fiber thus compressed.

Preferably, the device further comprises means for regulating the compression of the fiber and position locking means. The relative simplicity and compactness of the device that is the subject of the invention guarantees it good integrability and low manufacturing cost.

In addition, the compactness of the device gives it low mechanical inertia and therefore a low response time.

Specifically, the present invention relates to a device for tuning a reflective element formed in a portion of an optical waveguide having first and second ends, this optical waveguide being intended to propagate a light, the reflective element being capable of reflecting this light at a reflection wavelength, this device comprising

means for compressing the optical waveguide portion and therefore the reflective element, so as to change the reflection wavelength, and

- prevention means, to prevent buckling of the optical waveguide portion when the latter is compressed, this device being characterized in that the prevention means comprise a tube having first and second ends, this tube being crossed by the optical waveguide portion, and - means for guiding this portion in the tube, and the compression means comprise a curved deformable element, having first and second sides, the respective first ends of the tube and of the optical waveguide portion being fixed to the first side, the second end of the tube being spaced from the second side and the second end of the optical waveguide portion being fixed to this second side, and - a piezoelectric actuator , disposed in a space between the curved deformable element and the tube and fixed to this element and to this tube, this actuator being able to elongate when excited and then deform the element, the latter then being able to compress the portion of optical waveguide. Preferably, the reflective element is a Bragg grating.

In addition, the optical waveguide is preferably an optical fiber. According to a preferred embodiment of the device which is the subject of the invention, the compression means have an axis of symmetry which is formed by the axis of the optical waveguide portion.

According to a first particular embodiment of the device which is the subject of the invention, the guide means comprise rings which extend one after the other in the tube, are spaced from one another by elastic elements, preferably elastic toric spacers, and are crossed by the optical waveguide portion, this optical waveguide portion being able to slide freely in these rings.

These elastic elements are preferably made of cellular polytetrafluoroethylene. According to a second particular embodiment of the device which is the subject of the invention, the guide means comprise rigid washers which are placed one after the other in the tube, along the portion of optical waveguide, and are crossed by this portion of optical waveguide, and elastic elements which extend one after the other in the tube, alternate with the rigid washers and are integral with these rigid washers. Preferably, the elastic elements form a single block of elastic material which traps the optical waveguide portion.

According to a preferred embodiment, the device which is the subject of the invention further comprises means for controlling the piezoelectric actuator, in a closed loop configuration.

These control means may include measuring means comprising measuring means comprising the Bragg grating or a variable capacitor having two armatures which are respectively integral with the tube and the deformable element.

The device which is the subject of the invention may further comprise means for blocking the deformable element.

Preferably, these locking means comprise an element which is made of a shape memory alloy and which is capable of clamping the tube.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be better understood on reading the description of embodiments given below, purely by way of indication and in no way limiting, with reference to the appended drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a first particular embodiment of the device which is the subject of the invention, FIG. 2 is a schematic and partial view of the device of FIG. 1, and Figure 3 is a schematic and partial view of a second particular embodiment of the device object of the invention.

DETAILED PRESENTATION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS

The device according to the invention, which is schematically represented in FIG. 1, is intended for tuning a Bragg network 2 which is formed in a portion 4 of an optical fiber 6. To tune this network, the device compresses the portion 4 of the optical fiber, which is rectilinear. The axis of this portion of optical fiber, which also constitutes the axis along which this portion is compressed, is denoted X.

The device of FIG. 1 comprises means 8 for compressing the portion 4 of optical fiber as well as means 10 provided for preventing buckling of this portion of optical fiber when it is put into longitudinal compression. These means 10 intended to prevent buckling are shown in more detail in FIG. 2.

In the example of FIG. 1, the means 8 for compressing this portion of optical fiber are symmetrical with respect to the axis X and comprise a deformable element 12, of substantially elliptical shape, which is for example made of a material polymer.

In FIG. 1, we can also see a rigid tube 14 whose axis is the X axis. One end of this tube 14 is fixed to the internal wall of a part 16 of the element 12 (lower part in the figure 1). The other end of the tube 14 is opposite the internal wall of the other part 18 of the element 12 (upper part in FIG. 1) and spaced from this part 18. The compression means 8 also include a double actuator piezoelectric comprising two elongated piezoelectric elements 20 and 22, which are arranged in the space delimited by the element 12. In addition, in this space, the elements 20 and 22 extend perpendicular to the axis X.

In the example of FIG. 1, the tube 14 extends along the minor axis of the substantially elliptical element 12 while the piezoelectric elements 20 and 22 extend along the major axis of this element 12.

In addition, the piezoelectric element 20 is fixed, on one side, to the tube 14 and, on the other side, to the element 12. Likewise, the piezoelectric element 22 is fixed, on one side, to the tube 14 (opposite element 20) and, on the other side, element 12.

A tubular guide element 24, the axis of which is the axis X, is also located in the space delimited by the element 12 and this tubular element is fixed to the internal wall of the part 18 of this element 12. L the end of the tube 14, which is opposite this part 18, is placed in the tubular element 24 and is slightly spaced therefrom so that it can slide in this tubular element during compression of the portion of optical fiber, as is will see later. We see in Figure 2 means 26 for controlling the piezoelectric elements 20 and 22. When these elements 20 and 22 are excited by these control means 26, the elements 20 and 22 elongate perpendicular to the axis X (arrows FI and F2 in FIG. 1), the element 12 deforms and the tube 14 and the tubular element 24 move relative to each other (arrows F3 and F4 in FIG. 1), which increases the covering of the end of the tube 14 by this tubular element 24.

It is specified that one end of the portion 4 of optical fiber is fixed to the part 16 of the element 12 while the other end of this portion of optical fiber is fixed to the other part 18 of this element 12.

More specifically, it can be seen that these parts 16 and 18 respectively comprise holes 28 and 30 at the level of the axis X. The portion of optical fiber is fixed in each of these holes. The deformation of the element 12, which is mentioned above, thus causes the compression of the portion of optical fiber.

If a light I emitted by a broadband light source (not shown) is injected into the optical fiber 6, this light arrives at the Bragg grating 2. The latter reflects the light R having a wavelength which depends on the pitch of the network. The optical fiber transmits light T not reflected by this network.

During the compression of the portion 4 of optical fiber, the pitch of the grating decreases and the wavelength of the reflected light R is modified. In the example of FIGS. 1 and 2, the means 10, which prevent buckling of the portion of optical fiber during its compression, comprise rings 32 and elastic elements 34. These elements 34 are toric spacers which are made of 'An elastic material with low coefficients of friction, preferably polytëtrafluorethylene honeycomb.

The rings 32 are placed one after the other in the tube 14. These rings surround the portion 4 of optical fiber and are spaced from each other by means of the elastic toric spacers

34.

Each O-ring spacer 34 allows the spacing of two adjacent rings 32 by pressing on two chamfers 36, at 45 °, respectively formed on the ends of these rings, which are opposite

One of the other.

Thus the portion 4 of optical fiber is guided in all of the rings, the latter being held longitudinally by the tube 14 which limits the offset of these rings, for example to + 0.5 μm.

The small axial and especially longitudinal play, which is distributed evenly between the rings by all of the end pieces, or seals, O-rings 34, makes it possible to avoid buckling of the portion 4 of optical fiber during its compression.

In addition, the rings are self-aligned whatever the longitudinal displacement imposed by the substantially elliptical element 12, due to the presence chamfers 36 to 45 ° pressing symmetrically on the O-rings 34.

It should be noted that the ring closest to part 16 of this element 12 can be fixed to this part 16 and that the ring closest to part 18 of element 12 can be fixed to this part 18, but It is not mandatory.

In known manner, a Bragg grating 36 for temperature compensation, different from grating 2, can be provided in a portion of the optical fiber 6 which is not subjected to compression, for example in the portion of this fiber which is found in the hole 28, where the portion 4 of optical fiber is fixed.

It should be noted that the deformation induced by the double piezoelectric actuator is amplified by the element 12 which is substantially elliptical.

To control this piezoelectric actuator, an open loop configuration can be used.

However, preferably a closed loop configuration is used (Figure 2). To do this, the longitudinal deformation of the piezoelectric elements 20 and 22 can be measured by means of a variable capacitor, the armatures 38 and 40 of which are coaxial. One of these frames, having the reference 38, results from a metallization of the external wall of the end of the tube 14 which is capable of sliding in the tubular element 24. The other frame 40 results from a metallization of the internal wall of this element 24. In this case, the tube 14 and the element 24 are electrically insulating, for example made of a rigid plastic.

The capacity of the variable capacitor 38-40 is a linear function of the position of the end of the tube 14 relative to the element 24 and therefore of the longitudinal deformation of the piezoelectric elements

20 and 22.

The frames 38 and 40 are electrically connected to the control means 26 and provide the latter with information relating to this longitudinal deformation.

As a variant, to measure this longitudinal deformation, part 42 of the light R reflected by the Bragg grating 2 is recovered, for example by means of an optical coupler (not shown) which is inserted into the optical fiber 6 , outside the device of FIG. 1, and this light is processed by an appropriate photodetection interface 44 which then supplies, to the control means 26, the information relating to the longitudinal deformation.

In the example of FIG. 2, means 46 have also been provided making it possible to immobilize the device in any position, corresponding to a determined elongation of the piezoelectric elements 20 and 22.

These means 46 comprise a ring or a spring 48, which is made of a shape memory alloy. This ring or this spring is fixed to the end of the tubular element 24, on the side of the internal wall of the latter. In the example of FIG. 2, the immobilization means also comprise another ring 50 forming a braking ring, which is between the ring 48 and the end of the tube 14. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the end of the tubular element 24 comprises a shoulder which supports the ring 48 and the braking ring 50.

The actuation of the blocking enabled by the ring 48 is done by a constriction of the internal diameter of this ring at ambient temperature.

The expansion of the ring 48, which allows free movement of the tubular element 24 actuated by the piezoelectric elements 20 and 22, takes place under the effect of a rise in temperature which is induced by the Joule effect, which causes the phase change of the shape memory alloy.

To raise the temperature of the ring 48, the latter is connected to heating control means (voltage source) 52 by means of electrical connections 54.

The "educated" constriction is reversible by returning to an equally "educated" state corresponding to the other phase, namely the dilated phase, of the shape memory alloy. The constriction tightens the braking ring 50 which then locks the tubular element 24 on the tube 14.

In another example, not requiring education of the two phases of the shape memory alloy, instead of all the rings 48 and 50, the coupling of a shape memory alloy is used.

(AMF) associated with a cladding acting as a spring, in polymer for example. The different values of Young's modulus of AMF in the martensitic and austenitic phases allow the ring-spring, whose product of Young's modulus by the section. is intermediate to that of the AMF ring, to check the "expanded" or "closed" state of the locking device.

In the example of FIG. 3, the means 10 intended to prevent buckling of the portion 4 of optical fiber comprise rigid washers 56 which are arranged in the tube 14, parallel to each other and perpendicular to the axis X, and which surround the portion of optical fiber. These washers are spaced from each other by elastic elements 58. These elastic elements 58 form a single block which is made of an elastomeric material, traps the portion 4 of optical fiber and extends from the part 16 to the part 18 of the element 12 as seen in FIG. 3. The rigid washers are slightly spaced from the internal wall of the tube 14.

When the fiber portion 4 is compressed, the washers move along the axis X, being guided by the tube 14. It is specified that the one-piece assembly of the elements 58 can be produced by molding and injection of an elastomer in one single piece which integrates the portion 4 of optical fiber.

In addition, the washers are machined with an accuracy of + 0.5μm to limit the misalignment. These washers are made integral with the elastomer by adhesion during molding; the same is true for the fiber portion.

In the example of Figure 3, one can still use the locking means 46 and. add to them the electrical connections and the control means (not shown) which were discussed in the description of FIG. 2.

It is also possible to use the closed loop control for the piezoelectric elements 20 and 22 and to provide the device with the coaxial capacitor (not shown) which has been discussed in the description of FIG. 2.

Claims

1. Tuning device for a reflective element

(2) formed in a portion (4) of an optical waveguide (6) having first and second ends, this optical waveguide being intended to propagate light, the reflective element being able to reflect this light at a reflection wavelength, this device comprising - means (8) for compressing the optical waveguide portion and therefore the reflective element, so as to change the reflection wavelength, and

- prevention means (10), to prevent buckling of the optical waveguide portion when the latter is compressed, this device being characterized in that the prevention means (10) comprise

a tube (14) having first and second ends, this tube being traversed by the optical waveguide portion, and

- Means (32-34, 56-58) for guiding this portion in the tube, and the compression means (8) comprise - a curved deformable element (12), having first and second sides, the respective first ends the optical waveguide tube (14) and portion (4) being fixed to the first side, the second end of the tube being spaced from the second side and the second end of the optical waveguide portion being fixed to this second side, and a piezoelectric actuator (20-22), disposed in a space between the curved deformable element (12) and the tube (14) and fixed to this element and to this tube, this actuator being able to extend when it is excited and then deform the element, the latter then being able to compress the optical waveguide portion.

2. Device according to claim 1, in which the reflecting element is a Bragg grating (2).

3. Device according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the optical waveguide is an optical fiber (6).

4. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the compression means (8) have an axis of symmetry which is constituted by the axis (X) of the portion (4) of optical waveguide .

5. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the guide means comprise rings (32) which extend one after the other in the tube (14), are spaced from each other by elastic elements (34), preferably elastic toric spacers, and are crossed by the optical waveguide portion (4), this optical waveguide portion (4) being able to slide freely in these rings .

6. Device according to claim 5, in which the elastic elements (34) are made of cellular polytetrafluoroethylene.

7. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the guide means comprise rigid washers (56) which are placed one after the other in the tube (14), along the portion (4) of optical waveguide, and are crossed by this portion of waveguide optical, and elastic elements (58) which extend one after the other in the tube, alternate with the rigid washers and are integral with these rigid washers.

8. Device according to claim 7, wherein the elastic elements (58) form a single block of elastic material which traps the portion (4) of optical waveguide.

9. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising means (26) for controlling the piezoelectric actuator (20-22), in a closed loop configuration.

10. Device according to claim 9, in which the control means comprise measuring means comprising the Bragg grating (2) or a variable capacitor having two armatures (38, 40) which are respectively integral with the tube (14) and the deformable element (12).

11. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising means (48, 50) for locking the deformable element 12.

12. Device according to claim 11, in which the locking means comprise an element (48) which is made of a shape memory alloy and which is capable of clamping the tube (14).