ELECTROOPTICALLY TUNED SPECTRAL FILTERS - A REVIEW

Electrooptically tunable spectral filters have been developed over the years and now include diverse devices. These devices, which are of importance for remote sensing, employ linear electrooptic (Pockels) materials such that tuning is accomplished via externally controlled voltages. A review of the properties of linear electrooptic materials is presented followed by descriptions of tunable birefringence interference filters, Fabry-Perot devices, and other novel filter structures. Recent developments in electrooptic tunable filters are included. Issues relating to the further development of IR tunable spectral filters are discussed.