Variable optical attenuator
US6754431B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 24, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jun 22, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 24, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/359
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method of controllably attenuating a beam of light coupled into a port includes directing the beam of light against a mirror, and controlling an orientation of the mirror such that a predetermined fraction of the beam of light is coupled into the port. The predetermined fraction is less than a maximum fraction corresponding to optimal coupling of the beam of light into the port. The method may be implemented with a variable optical attenuator including a first port, a second port, a mirror located to direct light output by the first port to the second port, and a controller coupled to the mirror to align it such that the predetermined fraction of light is coupled into the second port. The method may also be implemented with an optical switch.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.