Variable optical attenuator
US6404970B1 · kind B1 · utility
18Cited by
8References
24Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 22, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jun 11, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 22, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B5/22
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A variable optical attenuator of the multiple-aperture type is disclosed. The attenuator comprises a thin element having a plurality of apertures therein. The plurality of apertures is arranged such that the size of most of the apertures increases along a distance of the thin element. In particular, the plurality of apertures is arranged in a carefully designed pattern wherein the percentage of transmitted light varies from one end of the pattern to the other. The variable optical attenuator is substantially wavelength and polarization independent.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.