Variable optical attenuators and optical shutters using a coupling layer in proximity to an optical waveguide (II)
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United States of America Patent
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N/A
Issued Date -
Nov 29, 2001
app pub date -
Feb 16, 2001
filing date -
Mar 3, 2000
priority date (Note) -
Abandoned
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Abstract
A controllable variable optical attenuator for attenuating an optical signal is described herein. The attenuator has an optical waveguide made from similar waveguide core and cladding materials and a coupling layer in close proximity to the waveguide which is configured to provide a difference between the refractive index of the coupling layer in proximity to the waveguide and the effective index of the waveguide. The index of the waveguide can be modified such that if the refractive index of the coupling layer is substantially lower than the effective index of the waveguide, minimal attenuation occurs to the light in the waveguide. Furthermore, if the refractive index of the coupling layer is substantially greater than the effective index of the waveguide, light is coupled into the coupling layer out of the waveguide to attenuate the optical signal. The amount of attenuation varies smoothly between these maximum and minimum values.
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