Variable attenuation of free-space light beams

Details Variable attenuation of free-space light beams Variable attenuation of free-space light beams

2005-11-01

2005-11-01

Bovernick, Rodney (Department: 2874)

Optical waveguides

Accessories

Attenuator

C385S018000, C359S290000, C359S291000, C359S295000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06961506

ABSTRACT:
One aspect is a method for controllably attenuating the beam of light (108) coupled between incoming and outgoing optical fibers (106) by misaligning minor surfaces (116a,116b) included of an optical switching module (100). Misalignment of the mirror surfaces (116aand116b) causes only a portion of the beam of light (108) propagating along the incoming optical fiber (106), which is less than when the light beam deflectors' mirror surfaces (116) are precisely aligned, to propagate along the outgoing optical fiber (108). Thus, the optical switching module (100) controllably attenuates the beam of light (108) coupled between the incoming and the outgoing optical fibers (106). Another aspect is a variable-optical-attenuator (“VOA”) (212) that includes an optically reflective membrane (222) upon which the beam of light (108) impinges. Application of an electrostatic field between an adjacent electrode (228) and the membrane (222) deforms the membrane (222) thereby attenuating an impinging beam of light (108).

REFERENCES:
patent: 5966235 (1999-10-01), Walker
patent: 6178284 (2001-01-01), Bergmann et al.
patent: 6253001 (2001-06-01), Hoen
patent: 6337753 (2002-01-01), Goossen
patent: 6526194 (2003-02-01), Laor
patent: 2001/0028756 (2001-10-01), Flanders et al.

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