Variable optical attenuator with profiled blade
US6246826A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 2, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jun 12, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 2, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/3594
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The invention relates to a variable optical attenuator having a profiled blade. It includes a mounting base with an actuator formed on the base, the actuator carrying the blade which is moveable across a light beam. The blade is profiled so as to provide a predetermined attenuation of the beam as a function of the displacement of the blade, the function being preferably substantially linear. As a way of example, first and second embodiments of the invention describe an electrostatic comb attenuator made of a semiconductor material and forming a monolithic structure. The embodiments relate to different blade profiles, having a protrusion and a notch at the front edge of the blade respectively. The attenuator device additionally includes light input and output lenses for receiving and directing light along a predetermined optical path. Other known type of attenuators having profiled blades, e.g. thermal, electromagnetic, microgears and piezo-electric, may also be used in modifications to the preferred embodiments described above. If required, the attenuator may be integrated into a package.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.