Compact tunable wavelength independent all-fiber optical attenuator and method of making same
AssigneeFramatome Connectors Canada Inc.
InventorsFran.cedilla.ois Gonthier, Robert G. Files
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Abstract
A compact, tunable, wavelength independent, all-fiber attenuator is produced by heating a single-mode fiber to create at least one taper therein through capillarity rather than through pulling, pushing or twisting the fiber. The attenuator may be tuned to achieve the desired value of attenuation and wavelength independence by imparting a small bend to the taper. The attenuator may be a fixed value attenuator or a variable attenuator. When a fixed value attenuator is desired, the tapered and bent structure is encapsulated in an adhesive and glued onto a substrate.
Claims9
Method of making a compact, tunable, wavelength independent all-fiber optical attenuator which comprises heating a single-mode fiber so as to produce at least one taper therein by displacement of viscous glass through capillarity, until a desired value of attenuation is achieved.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.