Single mode fiber optic variable attenuator with supported optical fiber
US5311614A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 24, 1992 |
| Grant date | May 10, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 24, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/266
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A continuously variable fiber optic attenuator 10, particularly for attenuating single mode fibers, has means 20 for supporting a section 25 of an optical fiber 24 substantially along the length of the section 25 and means 22 for bending at least a portion of the supported optical fiber section 25 in a controlled manner for attenuating light passing through the optical fiber 24. Preferably, the support means 20 comprises a deformable support means such as a spring 15 or an elastomeric body 71 for supporting the optical fiber 24 as it is bent. Most preferably, the deformable support means supports a section 25 of optical fiber 24 formed in one or more loops around the deformable support means, and the bending means is a plunger 22 movable to an extended position pressing against the support means 20 to bend portions of the loops of optical fiber 24 in a controlled manner. The fiber optic attenuator 10 of the present invention provides accurate control over the amount of attenuation of the light passing through the fiber 24 without damaging the optical fiber 24 or the signal passing therethrough.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.