Wavelength independent variable optical attenuator
US6149278A · kind A · utility
15Cited by
8References
16Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 29, 1999 |
| Grant date | Nov 21, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 29, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B26/02
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The invention provides an optical attenuator having a pair of substantially parallel mirrors that attenuate an optical signal based, at least in part, on the rotation angle of the mirrors. When the pair or mirrors is in a predetermined position, an input optical signal is directed from an input port to an output port with a minimum insertion loss. As the pair of mirrors is rotated, the optical signal is shifted parallelly, which provides increased insertion loss and an attenuated signal at the output port. The pair of mirrors can be rotated, for example, with a stepper motor, or other device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.