Fiber optic attenuation systems, methods of fabrication thereof and methods of attenuation using the same
US6370312B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 11, 2000 |
| Grant date | Apr 9, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 11, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02F1/0147
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Controllable fiber optic attenuators and attenuation systems (100) are disclosed for controllably extracting optical energy from a fiber optic (30), and therefore attenuating the optical signal being transmitted through the fiber optic (30). In one aspect, material is removed from a portion of the optical fiber (30), thereby exposing a surface through which optical energy can be extracted. A controllable material is formed over the surface for controllably extracting optical energy according to a changeable stimulus applied thereto, which affects the refractive index thereof. In an improved embodiment, a controllable material is formed over the exposed surface for controlling the amount of optical energy extracted from the fiber optic, and a bulk material is formed over the controllable material, into which the extracted optical energy is radiated.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.