Optical attenuator with low polarization mode dispersion
US5727109A · kind A · utility
43Cited by
14References
16Claims
0Family size
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Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 19, 1996 |
| Grant date | Mar 10, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 19, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S372/703
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An improved optical attenuator minimizes polarization mode dispersion in optical signals carried by optical fiber systems. The optical signals are expanded and refocussed by GRIN lenses, and the attenuator makes use of a liquid crystal cell disposed between birefringent polarizers for polarization-independent attenuation or switching. A birefringent plate compensates for dispersion of the ordinary and extra-ordinary rays within the attenuator. The plate will often be disposed at an oblique angle to minimize walk-off between these rays.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.