Variable optical attenuator

Abstract

The light modulating attenuator includes one glass ring with one hole; optical fiber set inside the hole; one lens module with one gradually changed refractive index lens and one high reflectivity reflector jointed to one end of the gradually changed refractive index lens and separated from the glass ring by certain interval; and one driver jointed to the lens module to control the relative motion of the lens module to the glass ring. The driver is one piezoelectric actuator to control the motion of the lens module in piezoelectric mode.

Description

technical field [0001] The invention relates to an adjustable variable optical attenuator, in particular to an adjustable variable optical attenuator which is used in combination with a reflective mirror and a gradient refractive index lens. Background technique [0002] In the optical communication network, the transmission between signals is completed by light. Since the intensity of the optical signal will exceed the detection range of the receiving end, the attenuation of the optical signal is necessary during the transmission process. At this time, the optical attenuator (Optical Attenuator) is usually used to effectively control and change the light intensity to meet the needs of the entire communication system. Modulation optical attenuator (Variable OpticalAttenuator, VOA) technology. [0003] There are many forms of adjustable optical attenuators in the prior art, and a common method is to change the components or relative positions of the adjustable optical attenu...

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Problems solved by technology

[0004] Another known variable optical attenuator can be seen in US Patent No. 6,285,504. Its structure is to attach a reflector to an elastic material with a high thermal expansion coefficient. When the temperature changes, the elastic material with a high thermal expansion coefficient will The resulting deformation causes the surface of the mirror to tilt, causing the light path to change, resulting in attenuation of the optical signal

[0005] However, the structure of the above-mentioned known variable optical attenuator must be increased by structures such as variable filters or elastic materials.

Devices such as filters are usually expensive and bulky, and are not suitable for variable optical attenuators used in MEMS technology

In addition, since the elastic material controls the attenuation of optical signals by temperature changes, and its high expansion coefficient is sensitive to temperature changes, it is necessary to strictly control the temperature of the environment in which the variable optical attenuator is used. Variability is also less favorable

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