Coupling-induced resonance frequency shifts in coupled dielectric multi-cavity filters

Coupling-induced resonance frequency shifts (CIFS) are theoretically described, and are found to be an important fundamental source of resonance frequency mismatch between coupled optical cavities that would be degenerate in isolation. Their deleterious effect on high-order resonant filter responses and complete correction by pre-distortion are described. Analysis of the physical effects contributing to CIFS shows that a positive index perturbation may bring about a resonance shift of either sign. Higher-order CIFS effects, the scaling of CIFS-caused impairment with finesse, FSR and index contrast, and the tolerability of frequency mismatch in telecom-grade filters are addressed. The results also suggest possible designs and applications for CIFS-free coupled-resonator systems. (c) 2006 Optical Society of America.