Variable optical attenuator

Details Variable optical attenuator Variable optical attenuator

2005-03-22

2005-03-22

Lee, John D. (Department: 2874)

Optical waveguides

Accessories

Attenuator

C385S039000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06870998

ABSTRACT:
The invention provides a variable optical attenuator or array with low PDL by using an embedded polymer channel waveguide with a plurality of resistive heaters fabricated on the top cladding of the polymer waveguide. The resistive heaters create a strong thermal gradient in the polymer layer stack which is associated with a strong refractive index gradient with the lowest refractive index under the heater. This refractive index gradient causes the optical mode in the channel to shift towards the buffer layer. Attenuation is induced by transition losses between heated and unheated regions in the polymer waveguide when an optical signal passes through these regions of the polymer waveguide.

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“Variable Optical Attenuator with Large Dynamic Range and Low Drive Power” Kowalczyk et al., Optical Fiber Communication Conference and Exhibit, 2001, OFC 2001, vol. 3, 2001, pp. wr5-1-4.
“Variable Optical Attenuator Based on a Cutoff Modulator with Tapered Waveguides in Polymers” Lee et al. Journal of Lightwave Technology, vol. 17, No. 12, Dec. 1999.
“Thermo-optically active polymeric photonic components” Eldada et al. OFC 2000 pp. WH1-1 124-126.

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