A thermal compensator, for use in connection with arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) modules which are, in turn, utilized in conjunction with wavelength multiplexing and de-multiplexing within optical networks, is disclosed. The thermal compensator comprises a bow-shaped frame member, a central bar member, and a screw. The bow-shaped frame member is characterized by a higher or great coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) than that of the central bar member such that the bow-shaped frame member can expand and elongate at a greater rate than can the central bar member under hot temperature conditions, however, under cold temperature conditions, the rate of contraction of the bow-shaped member is effectively retarded by the slower rate of contraction of the central bar member. The bow-shaped frame member is adapted to be attached to a movable section of an athermal arrayed waveguide grating (AAWG) module such that the expansion and contraction movements of the bow-shaped member influence the movement of a movable section of the athermal arrayed waveguide grating (AAWG) module in order to maintain the proper focus of the athermal arrayed waveguide grating (AAWG) module across disparate temperature conditions within which the athermal arrayed waveguide grating (AAWG) module is designed to operate.