CAPILLARY WAVEGUIDE TUNABLE OPTICAL DEVICE

An optical fiber ( 100 A- 100 D) is provided with a cylindrical core ( 102 ) and a first optical cladding layer ( 104 ). The core ( 102 ) is formed of a core material ( 105 ) that is optically transmissive. The core material ( 105 ) has a core index of refraction that is continuously variable over a predetermined range of values responsive to a first energetic stimulus, such as thermal energy, photonic energy, magnetic field, and an electrical potential. The core ( 102 ) includes a bore ( 103 ) axially disposed within the first optical cladding layer ( 104 ). The bore ( 103 ) is filled with the core material ( 105 ). The first optical cladding layer ( 104 ) is disposed on the core ( 102 ). The first optical cladding layer ( 104 ) is formed of a photosensitive material. The photosensitive material has a first cladding layer index of refraction that is permanently selectively configurable responsive to an exposure to a second energetic stimulus. The first optical cladding layer ( 104 ) has gratings ( 114 - 1, 114 - 2 ) inscribed therein.