Wide range wavelength tuning of fiber Bragg gratings

Fiber Bragg gratings have gained world wide attention as sensor devices and as components for fiber communications. They enable one to have wavelength selective elements exposed directly in the light guiding core of an optical fiber. These devices would be greatly enhanced if the fiber grating element had a large wavelength tuning range capability. Changing the Bragg wavelength of a fiber grating is easily accomplished by applying tension to the fiber or heating the fiber for a thermal tuning effect.