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Fiber optic mechanical/thermal tuner and isolator

  • US 7,110,624 B2
  • Filed: 03/23/2004
  • Issued: 09/19/2006
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/14/2001
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A tuning and isolating support device comprising:

  • a) a fiber optic tensioning structure having a longitudinal bore configured to receive a tunable fiber optic component and having at least opposing ends configured to rigidly attach to and along a common longitudinal axis with the tunable fiber optic component and formed of an electrically-active, mechanically-responsive material such that changes in dimension along the longitudinal axis arising from an applied voltage to the tensioning structure yield corresponding dimensional changes in the tunable fiber optic component to provide tunable adjustment of an optical frequency of the tunable fiber optic component;

    b) an inner electrode located on an inner surface of the fiber optic tensioning structure;

    c) an outer electrode located on an outer surface of the fiber optic tensioning structure where the inner and outer electrodes are configured to apply an electrical potential radially to the fiber optic tensioning structure; and

    d) an acoustic damping material encasing at least a portion of the tensioning structure and configured to minimize environmental vibration effects on the tunable fiber optic component.

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