Fabry–Perot/Šolc filter with distributed Bragg reflectors: a narrow-band electro-optically tunable spectral filter

A new narrow-band (typically 0.01-nm) spectral filter called the Fabry–Perot/Šolc filter, which combines the characteristics of the Fabry–Perot étalon and the folded Šolc filter, was introduced recently [ J. Opt. Soc. Am. A4, 1720 ( 1987)]. The design of the Fabry–Perot/Šolc filter is extended to include narrow-band end reflectors to produce high-finesse spectral filters. The narrow-band end reflectors can be implemented as distributed Bragg reflectors (DBR’s), thus permitting tailoring of the spectral characteristics of the Fabry–Perot/Šolc filter. Sample designs are presented, including one filter with an effective finesse of 5420. Possible uses for the Fabry–Perot/Šolc filter with DBR’s are discussed, and it is compared with the narrow-band electro-optically tunable notch filter proposed by Lytel Lipscomb [ Appl. Opt.25, 3889 ( 1986)].