High resolution tunable optical filters are important in dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) applications as channel spacing in optical communications systems can be as low as 0.4nm. The bandwidth of the filter must be narrow, to prevent filtering neighbouring channels. In this paper, a simple, low cost technique for the tuning of the Bragg wavelength of the FBG filter with high resolution and good repeatability is demonstrated. A FBG was embedded in a triangular carbon fiber composite package and aluminium plates were used to clamp the wider end of the package, leaving the thinner end free, like a cantilever beam. A micrometer was placed under the thinner end of the package and the vertical displacement of the micrometer will bend the carbon composite. This bending will produce compression and tension forces on the FBG depending on which side of the package is used, which will result in a shift of the Bragg wavelength. The total tuning range of the FBG filter is 2nm with a resolution of 1pm. The repeatability error was found to be 0.4% over the whole tuning range. The 3dB bandwidth of the reflected spectra from the FBG is 0.235nm, much less than channel spacing of 0.4nm.
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