A variable mechanical optical attenuator

Omar Shehab

doi:10.1117/12.918900

2 May 2012 A variable mechanical optical attenuator

Omar Shehab

Proceedings Volume 8397, Enabling Photonics Technologies for Defense, Security, and Aerospace Applications VIII; 839706 (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.918900
Event: SPIE Defense, Security, and Sensing, 2012, Baltimore, Maryland, United States

Abstract

A new design of a variable mechanical optical attenuator is proposed in this paper. Mechanical attenuators are extensively important in designing optical communication systems. It is also highly used in testing and training purposes. The design consists a novel fiber optic splitter-combiner setup. Each branch of the splitter meets a specific branch of the combiner. A fixed distanced multi-window rotary wheel slides between them. Upon rotation the light is either blocked or allowed to pass from a splitter branch to a combiner branch. By changing the number of open gates, the amount of yielded light can be controlled. There is only one moving part. So, the design is easy to manufacture, use or repair. The basic design and work flow is explained. The formula for calculating the attenuation and calibration guideline is also discussed. Then the design is compared with the other design standards based on the areas of application. The possible effects of linear and non-linear properties of light is also discussed. The primary concerns that should be taken if this design is to be fabricated in photonic integrated circuits is also mentioned briefly.

Citation Download Citation

Omar Shehab "A variable mechanical optical attenuator", Proc. SPIE 8397, Enabling Photonics Technologies for Defense, Security, and Aerospace Applications VIII, 839706 (2 May 2012); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.918900

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available