Analysis of imperfections in a micromachined tunable-cavity interferometer

Jung-sik Moon; Andrei M. Shkel

doi:10.1117/12.436625

16 August 2001 Analysis of imperfections in a micromachined tunable-cavity interferometer

Jung-sik Moon, Andrei M. Shkel

Proceedings Volume 4334, Smart Structures and Materials 2001: Smart Electronics and MEMS; (2001) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.436625
Event: SPIE's 8th Annual International Symposium on Smart Structures and Materials, 2001, Newport Beach, CA, United States

Abstract

An alternative to a classical wavelength interferometer (an array of hand-assembled etalons consisting of two semi-transparent mirrors separated by a fixed-cavity) is the implementation of wide band tunable filter using Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technology. This approach will allow a single tunable device to replace an array of fixed-cavity filters reducing cost and parts. MEMS technology offers many advantages, including scalability for wide tuning range, sensitivity for precision sensing, and batch fabrication capability for cost reduction While at the same time, MEMS technology introduces many new challenges, which include fabrication yield, device reproducibility, and fabrication imperfections - all are factors seriously limiting performance of MEMS interferometers. Without defects, reflectance must be greater than 99.69% in order to achieve finesse of 1000 to be useful for DWDM applications. Though, the presence of defects limits performance and becomes more pronounced at higher reflectance values. For example, component misregistration while fabricating MEMS interferometer with 95% and 98% reflectance values, result in the reduction of effective finesse of 10% and 42%, respectively. This paper discusses several models for analyzing imperfections in MEMS tunable-cavity interferometers. Based on thermal expansion and component misregistration analysis, we conclude that a passive MEMS-based filter cannot achieve performance required for DWDM applications.

Citation Download Citation

Jung-sik Moon and Andrei M. Shkel "Analysis of imperfections in a micromachined tunable-cavity interferometer", Proc. SPIE 4334, Smart Structures and Materials 2001: Smart Electronics and MEMS, (16 August 2001); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.436625

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