Variable optical attenuator
First Claim
1. An attenuator for attenuating an optical beam, comprising a rotary, optically opaque eccentric or eccentrically rotatable blocker defining a center of rotation and having a radial perimeter of a gradually changing radius relative to the center of rotation, the rotary blocker disposed to rotate in a plane transverse to the optical beam such that the radial perimeter of the blocker gradually moves into or out of path of the optical beam to block or unblock the beam correspondingly.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A variable optical attenuator is described. A special profile blocker is rotated across a large angel (e.g., 180° to 360°) to provide a variable amount of attenuation. In one embodiment, the special profile blocker is an eccentrically driven wheel. The special profile blocker is driven by a stepper motor via a gear assembly. In one embodiment, the variable optical attenuator includes a beam splitter for the input and/or the output signal for monitoring of signal strength and/or feedback control of the attenuator.
26 Citations
13 Claims
- 1. An attenuator for attenuating an optical beam, comprising a rotary, optically opaque eccentric or eccentrically rotatable blocker defining a center of rotation and having a radial perimeter of a gradually changing radius relative to the center of rotation, the rotary blocker disposed to rotate in a plane transverse to the optical beam such that the radial perimeter of the blocker gradually moves into or out of path of the optical beam to block or unblock the beam correspondingly.
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3. The attenuator of claim further comprising a stepper motor to control the blocker.
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11. A method for attenuating an optical signal, the method comprising:
- positioning a rotary optically opaque, eccentric of eccentrically rotatable blocker having a radial perimeter of a gradually changing radius or rotation relative to the center of rotation, adjacent to an optical beam carrying the optical signal, and rotating the opaque blocker in a plane transverse to the optical beam to cause the perimeter of the blocker to gradually move into or out of path of the beam to block or unblock the beam correspondingly.
- View Dependent Claims (12, 13)
Specification