Variable single-mode attenuators by spatial interference
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An attenuator for variably attenuating an optical signal, said attenuator comprising:
- a plurality of reflective portions for entirely reflecting any portion of an optical signal impinging thereon and thereby generating a plurality of reflected optical signals which are combined as an attenuated optical signal, wherein at least one of said reflective portions is moveable with respect to the rest of said plurality of reflective portions.
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Abstract
An optical attenuator is disclosed that utilizes the concept of destructive and constructive interference to enhance the ability to attenuate the light signal sent between an optical transmitter and an optical receiver. Rather than completely blocking out a portion of the light signal or utilizing a membrane coated with a partially reflecting material, the present invention utilizes a very high reflectivity coating on divided surfaces, and controls the relative distances between each of the divided surfaces and the optical transmitter/receiver.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. An attenuator for variably attenuating an optical signal, said attenuator comprising:
a plurality of reflective portions for entirely reflecting any portion of an optical signal impinging thereon and thereby generating a plurality of reflected optical signals which are combined as an attenuated optical signal, wherein at least one of said reflective portions is moveable with respect to the rest of said plurality of reflective portions. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method of variably attenuating an optical signal incident on a plurality of reflective portions, said reflective portions entirely reflecting any portion of said optical signal impinging thereon, said method comprising the steps of:
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focusing said optical signal onto said reflective portions and thereby generating a plurality of reflected optical signals, wherein at least one of said reflective portions is moveable with respect to the rest of said reflective portions; and
combining said reflected optical signals to generate an attenuated optical signal. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19)
pivotably moving said at least one moveable reflective portion so as to control interference among said reflected optical signals.
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19. A method as set forth in claim 17, wherein each of said plurality of reflective portions has a fixed reflectivity.
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20. An attenuator for variably attenuating an optical beam, said attenuator comprising:
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a first reflective portion for receiving a first portion of said optical beam and entirely reflecting said first portion of said optical beam; and
a second reflective portion, positioned adjacent to and pivotably moveable with respect to said first reflective portion, for receiving a second portion of said optical beam and entirely reflecting said second portion of said optical beam, whereby said reflected first and second portions of said optical beam are combined as an attenuated optical beam. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22)
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Specification