Thermal gradient prism for active beam steering
AssigneeIntel Corporation
InventorMark E. McDonald
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A variable optical attenuator (VOA) for use in an optical fiber communication system has a substrate, a thermal gradient prism and a heating element deposited on the prism. Heat is applied to the thermal gradient prism through the heating element. An optical signal is input into the prism via an optical signal input source. The optical signal traveling through the prism may be deflected due to a thermal gradient of the prism. The deflected optical signal is output into an optical signal output carrying medium. An optical signal strength measuring apparatus may measure a parameter related to the strength of the optical signal output into the optical signal output carrying medium.
Claims16
A variable optical attenuator for use in an optical fiber communication system, the variable optical attenuator comprising:
- a substrate;
- a thermal gradient prism with a first side coupled to the substrate and designed to carry an optical signal from a second side to a third side, wherein the second side and the third side are on opposite ends of the prism and perpendicular to the first side;
- a heating element deposited on a fourth side of the prism, where the fourth side is opposite the first side;
- an optical signal input source attached to the second side of the prism;
- and
- an optical signal output carrying medium attached to the third side of the prism.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.