Non-circular, mechanically variable optical attenuator

An optical attenuator for attenuating electromagnetic radiation, comprising:

• a first polarizing element having a first polarization vector field that varies spatially across said first polarizing element;
• a second polarizing element having a second polarization vector field that varies spatially across said second polarizing element, wherein said first polarizing element and said second polarizing element are aligned in series, separated by a pre-defined distance, wherein said second polarization vector field is adapted to being in alignment with said first polarization vector field;
• and
• a mechanical means for attenuating electromagnetic radiation passing through said first polarizing element and said second polarizing element, wherein said mechanical means gradually translates said first polarizing element in relation to said second polarizing element such that said first polarization vector field is not in alignment with said second polarization vector field.

A method for attenuating light, comprising the steps of:

• (a) selecting a first polarizing element having a first polarization vector field that varies spatially across said first polarizing element;
• (b) selecting a second polarizing element having a second polarization vector field that varies spatially across said second polarizing element, wherein said second polarization vector field is adapted to being in alignment with said first polarization vector field;
• (c) aligning said first polarizing element and said second polarizing element in a series wherein said first polarizing element is parallel to said second polarizing element and said first polarizing element is separated from said second polarizing element by a pre-defined distance, and
• (d) crossing gradually said first polarization vector field with said second polarization vector field thereby gradually attenuating light passing through said first polarizing element and said second polarizing element by mechanically translating said first polarizing element along a vertical axis in relation to said second polarizing element.