Variable optical attenuator
US5915063A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 23, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jun 22, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 23, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/266
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A variable, hybrid optical attenuator has a flexure member which consists of a bridge portion joining two prongs which are flexibly movable relative to the bridge portion. A mirror is mounted on the bridge portion. The prongs are each connected to an actuator which can expand or contract in response to a control signal applied thereto. The control signal may be heat, an electric field, a magnetic field or, preferably, a combination thereof. The attenuator is positioned opposite a pair of optical waveguides so that an input optical signal from an input waveguide is incident on the mirror and, upon reflection, is received by the second waveguide. Attenuation of the transmission is effected by controlled tilting of the mirror caused by appropriate control signals, single or in combination, applied to one or both of the actuators.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.