High performance variable optical attenuation collimator with an embedded micro lens

A multi-fiber, Variable Optical Attenuation Collimator (VOAC) for providing a variable degree of optical power attenuation to a light beam propagating there through, the VOAC comprising:

• a lens element and a fiber pigtail having one or more optical fibers attached to a right end of said fiber pigtail, separated by an air gap wherein said lens element and said fiber pigtail are both affixed to a common housing tube in such a manner that said light beam entering at a left end of said lens element is automatically focused onto a proper entry point of said fiber pigtail for further propagation along said fiber pigtail to define a main light path;
• an Attenuation Control Element (ACE) comprising a light blocker being movably mounted onto a surface of said fiber pigtail within said air gap in close proximity to yet clear of said main light path, said light blocker having a micro lens attached thereto;
• and
• a driving means, including a driving signal, being connected to said ACE to provide a controllable movement of said light blocker such that said micro lens and said light blocker will obstruct all, a portion or none of said light beam propagating through said main light path from said lens element to said fiber pigtail to achieve said variable degree of optical power attenuation.