This invention relates to an acousto-optical tunable filter generally of the
kind described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,266,462. More specifically, the invention relates
to a filter and its construction, the filter including a support, first and second
mounts at spaced locations on the support, an optical fiber having first and second
mounted portions secured to the first and second mounts respectively and a filtering
section between the first and second mounted portions, a signal generator operable
to generate a periodic signal, and an electro-acoustic transducer having a terminal
connected to the signal generator and an actuating portion, the electric signal
causing vibration of the actuating portion, and the actuating portion being connected
to the filtering section so that the vibration generates a transverse wave traveling
along the filtering section. The filter has an improved damper to more effectively
dampen waves traveling along the filtering section.
