Waveguide shuttle MEMS variable optical attenuator

Details Waveguide shuttle MEMS variable optical attenuator Waveguide shuttle MEMS variable optical attenuator

2007-11-20

2007-11-20

Bovernick, Rodney (Department: 2874)

Optical waveguides

Accessories

Attenuator

C385S025000

Reexamination Certificate

active

11154019

ABSTRACT:
An improved waveguide shuttle optical switch design which provides the function of a variable optical attenuator (VOA). A small degree of intentional misalignment of the waveguide will create different levels of optical attenuation. By finely controlling the misalignment of a selected switched position, a single device may be realized that will provide the functions of both switching and attenuating or just attenuation alone. The optical MEMS device utilizes a latching mechanism in association with a thermal drive actuator for aligning a waveguide shuttle platform. The integration of the switching function and the VOA function reduce the optical loss which is otherwise unavoidable when the inevitable alternative of a separate switch and a separate VOA must necessarily be employed. The resultant improved device can also be applied for correcting the difference in optical intensity created by the manufacturing tolerances inherent in the fabrication of array waveguide gratings.

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