CA2307249A1 - Defocusing polymer attenuator - Google Patents
Defocusing polymer attenuator Download PDFInfo
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- CA2307249A1 CA2307249A1 CA002307249A CA2307249A CA2307249A1 CA 2307249 A1 CA2307249 A1 CA 2307249A1 CA 002307249 A CA002307249 A CA 002307249A CA 2307249 A CA2307249 A CA 2307249A CA 2307249 A1 CA2307249 A1 CA 2307249A1
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- optical signal
- deformable lens
- lens
- optical
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- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
- G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
- G02F1/29—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the position or the direction of light beams, i.e. deflection
- G02F1/31—Digital deflection, i.e. optical switching
- G02F1/313—Digital deflection, i.e. optical switching in an optical waveguide structure
- G02F1/3137—Digital deflection, i.e. optical switching in an optical waveguide structure with intersecting or branching waveguides, e.g. X-switches and Y-junctions
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- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/10—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings of the optical waveguide type
- G02B6/12—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings of the optical waveguide type of the integrated circuit kind
- G02B6/122—Basic optical elements, e.g. light-guiding paths
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- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/10—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings of the optical waveguide type
- G02B6/12—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings of the optical waveguide type of the integrated circuit kind
- G02B6/122—Basic optical elements, e.g. light-guiding paths
- G02B6/125—Bends, branchings or intersections
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- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/26—Optical coupling means
- G02B6/264—Optical coupling means with optical elements between opposed fibre ends which perform a function other than beam splitting
- G02B6/266—Optical coupling means with optical elements between opposed fibre ends which perform a function other than beam splitting the optical element being an attenuator
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- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/26—Optical coupling means
- G02B6/28—Optical coupling means having data bus means, i.e. plural waveguides interconnected and providing an inherently bidirectional system by mixing and splitting signals
- G02B6/2804—Optical coupling means having data bus means, i.e. plural waveguides interconnected and providing an inherently bidirectional system by mixing and splitting signals forming multipart couplers without wavelength selective elements, e.g. "T" couplers, star couplers
- G02B6/2808—Optical coupling means having data bus means, i.e. plural waveguides interconnected and providing an inherently bidirectional system by mixing and splitting signals forming multipart couplers without wavelength selective elements, e.g. "T" couplers, star couplers using a mixing element which evenly distributes an input signal over a number of outputs
- G02B6/2813—Optical coupling means having data bus means, i.e. plural waveguides interconnected and providing an inherently bidirectional system by mixing and splitting signals forming multipart couplers without wavelength selective elements, e.g. "T" couplers, star couplers using a mixing element which evenly distributes an input signal over a number of outputs based on multimode interference effect, i.e. self-imaging
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- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
- G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
- G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour
- G02F1/0147—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on thermo-optic effects
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- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
- G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
- G02F1/29—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the position or the direction of light beams, i.e. deflection
- G02F1/31—Digital deflection, i.e. optical switching
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- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/10—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings of the optical waveguide type
- G02B6/12—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings of the optical waveguide type of the integrated circuit kind
- G02B2006/12083—Constructional arrangements
- G02B2006/121—Channel; buried or the like
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- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/26—Optical coupling means
- G02B6/35—Optical coupling means having switching means
- G02B6/351—Optical coupling means having switching means involving stationary waveguides with moving interposed optical elements
- G02B6/3524—Optical coupling means having switching means involving stationary waveguides with moving interposed optical elements the optical element being refractive
- G02B6/3526—Optical coupling means having switching means involving stationary waveguides with moving interposed optical elements the optical element being refractive the optical element being a lens
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- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/26—Optical coupling means
- G02B6/35—Optical coupling means having switching means
- G02B6/3586—Control or adjustment details, e.g. calibrating
- G02B6/3588—Control or adjustment details, e.g. calibrating of the processed beams, i.e. controlling during switching of orientation, alignment, or beam propagation properties such as intensity, size or shape
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- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/26—Optical coupling means
- G02B6/35—Optical coupling means having switching means
- G02B6/3594—Characterised by additional functional means, e.g. means for variably attenuating or branching or means for switching differently polarized beams
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- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
- G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
- G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour
- G02F1/061—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on electro-optical organic material
- G02F1/065—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on electro-optical organic material in an optical waveguide structure
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- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
- G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
- G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour
- G02F1/21—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour by interference
- G02F1/217—Multimode interference type
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- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
- G02F2201/00—Constructional arrangements not provided for in groups G02F1/00 - G02F7/00
- G02F2201/02—Constructional arrangements not provided for in groups G02F1/00 - G02F7/00 fibre
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- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
- G02F2203/00—Function characteristic
- G02F2203/48—Variable attenuator
Abstract
An optical attenuator in the form of a polymer having the property of variably defocusing a beam of light is disclosed. The optical attenuator includes a variably and reversibly deformable lens inserted in the path of a beam of light and a control means capable of controllably deforms the deformable lens such that the focal length of the lens is varied.
The deformation of the lens ranges between an absence of deformation (infinite focal length) where the beam of light passing therethrough is not altered by the lens, to a maximum deformation where the beam of light is maximally attenuated (the smallest focal length). Moreover, the change in the focus position attenuates the beam of light without creating any polarization dependence loss.
The deformation of the lens ranges between an absence of deformation (infinite focal length) where the beam of light passing therethrough is not altered by the lens, to a maximum deformation where the beam of light is maximally attenuated (the smallest focal length). Moreover, the change in the focus position attenuates the beam of light without creating any polarization dependence loss.
Description
10-311 CA , Patent Defocusing Polymer Attenuator Field of the Invention This invention relates to attenuation of optical signal, and more particularly to an 1 o apparatus and a method for controllably deforming a deformable lens for variably defocusing the optical signal.
Background of the Invention In communication networks, data are encoded in the form of an optical signal propagating through an optical waveguide. A beam of light corresponding to the optical signal originates in a laser and is focussed with a lens onto an input end of the waveguide in the form, for example, of an optical fibre. The optical fibre has a core about 8 ~m in diameter for the propagation of the beam of light; the core is surrounded by a cladding 2o about 125 Itm in diameter and having a lower refractive index. To complete the transmission of the data, the optical signal has to be detected by a photo-detector before being decoded. Depending of the power of the laser, the optical signal may have to be attenuated to be compatible with the photo-detector.
2s Often, optical attenuators include a pair of GRaded INdex (GRIN) lenses for collimating and/or focusing the optical signal. In a graded index medium that has a refractive index that varies with position, optical rays follow curved trajectories, instead of straight lines.
By judicious selection of the refractive index, a GRIN plate can behave like a conventional optical element such as a prism or a lens. Lenses of this type are produced 3o under the trade name "SELFOC"; the mark is registered in Japan and owned by the Nippon Sheet and Glass Co. Ltd. GRIN lenses are used extensively as a means of 10-311 CA Patent coupling optical signals from one waveguide such as an optical fibre, to another, for example, in optical switches. The use of GRIN lenses provides a number of advantages over other conventional lenses. For example, GRIN lenses are relatively inexpensive, compact, and furthermore have parallel flat end facets. In particular, the flat end facet of the GRIN lens allows a single lens to be used as a means of collimating or focusing light.
Various kind of attenuators exist for attenuating a light signal. Fig. 1 shows an example of a variable attenuator in the form of a relatively movable glass slide 12 exhibiting a gradient of opacity inserted between a pair of coaxial GRIN lenses 10 and 11.
The range to of opacity is from 0% to 100%, i.e., one end of the slide is completely transparent and there is no attenuation of the signal, the opacity gradually increases towards the other end where it is completely opaque and the signal is blocked. A means to move the slide may be a small electrical motor controlled by a computer. The position of the slide or the percentage of opacity is modified according to the desired degree of attenuation. In operation, an optical signal propagates through an input optical fibre 20 optically coupled to the first GRIN lens 10 where the optical signal is collimated; the signal then propagates through the relatively movable glass slide 12. Depending on the position of the slide 12, a selected percentage of the signal is transmitted to an input end 11 a of the second GRIN lens 11. The attenuated signal is focused at an output port at the output end 11 b of the GRIN lens coupled to an output optical fibre 21.
Fig. 2 shows a more compact attenuator in the sense that only one GRIN lens 300 is used for receiving an optical signal from an input optical fibre 400a connected to a first end face 310 of the GRIN lens 300 off the optical axis OA of the lens, and for transmitting the optical signal to an output optical fibre 400b coupled to the same end face 310 of the GRIN lens 300 off the OA on an opposite side of the input optical fibre 400. A
mirror 350 oriented towards the end face 320 of the GRIN lens is substantially parallel to the end face 320 of the GRIN lens; however, the mirror is movable for slightly changing the angle between the end face 320 of the GRIN lens and the mirror 350. Being in a parallel 3o position to the end face 320, the collimated optical signal coming from the input optical fibre 400a is reflected back to the end face 310 of the GRIN lens and is focussed to the 10-311 CA Patent core of the output optical fibre 400b. Changing slightly the angle between the mirror 350 and the end face 320 (as shown with dotted lines) induces a shifting of the focussed signal off the optical axis of the core of the optical fibre. The signal is attenuated, however the movement of the focussed position creates polarization dependance loss.
It is an object of the instant invention to provide an optical attenuator that controllably defocuses the optical signal.
It is an object of the instant invention to provide a variably and reversibly deformable light transmissive lens.
It is an object of the instant invention to provide a variable optical attenuator using a deformable light transmissive lens in the form of a polymer.
It is an object of the instant invention to provide a variable optical attenuator that substantially overcomes polarization dependance loss.
Summary of the Invention 2o In accordance with the invention, there is provided an optical attenuator for variably attenuating an optical signal comprising a deformable lens for allowing the optical signal to propagate to an output port; a control means for controllably deforming the deformable lens including a control circuitry having a suitable programmed processor for controllably defocusing the optical signal; and an input port coupled to a first side of the deformable lens for launching the optical signal into the deformable lens.
In accordance with the invention there is provided, a method of variably attenuating an optical signal comprising the steps of launching the optical signal into a deformable lens and allowing the optical signal to propagate to an output port; and, controllably 3o deforming the deformable lens for controllably defocusing the optical signal at the output port.
Background of the Invention In communication networks, data are encoded in the form of an optical signal propagating through an optical waveguide. A beam of light corresponding to the optical signal originates in a laser and is focussed with a lens onto an input end of the waveguide in the form, for example, of an optical fibre. The optical fibre has a core about 8 ~m in diameter for the propagation of the beam of light; the core is surrounded by a cladding 2o about 125 Itm in diameter and having a lower refractive index. To complete the transmission of the data, the optical signal has to be detected by a photo-detector before being decoded. Depending of the power of the laser, the optical signal may have to be attenuated to be compatible with the photo-detector.
2s Often, optical attenuators include a pair of GRaded INdex (GRIN) lenses for collimating and/or focusing the optical signal. In a graded index medium that has a refractive index that varies with position, optical rays follow curved trajectories, instead of straight lines.
By judicious selection of the refractive index, a GRIN plate can behave like a conventional optical element such as a prism or a lens. Lenses of this type are produced 3o under the trade name "SELFOC"; the mark is registered in Japan and owned by the Nippon Sheet and Glass Co. Ltd. GRIN lenses are used extensively as a means of 10-311 CA Patent coupling optical signals from one waveguide such as an optical fibre, to another, for example, in optical switches. The use of GRIN lenses provides a number of advantages over other conventional lenses. For example, GRIN lenses are relatively inexpensive, compact, and furthermore have parallel flat end facets. In particular, the flat end facet of the GRIN lens allows a single lens to be used as a means of collimating or focusing light.
Various kind of attenuators exist for attenuating a light signal. Fig. 1 shows an example of a variable attenuator in the form of a relatively movable glass slide 12 exhibiting a gradient of opacity inserted between a pair of coaxial GRIN lenses 10 and 11.
The range to of opacity is from 0% to 100%, i.e., one end of the slide is completely transparent and there is no attenuation of the signal, the opacity gradually increases towards the other end where it is completely opaque and the signal is blocked. A means to move the slide may be a small electrical motor controlled by a computer. The position of the slide or the percentage of opacity is modified according to the desired degree of attenuation. In operation, an optical signal propagates through an input optical fibre 20 optically coupled to the first GRIN lens 10 where the optical signal is collimated; the signal then propagates through the relatively movable glass slide 12. Depending on the position of the slide 12, a selected percentage of the signal is transmitted to an input end 11 a of the second GRIN lens 11. The attenuated signal is focused at an output port at the output end 11 b of the GRIN lens coupled to an output optical fibre 21.
Fig. 2 shows a more compact attenuator in the sense that only one GRIN lens 300 is used for receiving an optical signal from an input optical fibre 400a connected to a first end face 310 of the GRIN lens 300 off the optical axis OA of the lens, and for transmitting the optical signal to an output optical fibre 400b coupled to the same end face 310 of the GRIN lens 300 off the OA on an opposite side of the input optical fibre 400. A
mirror 350 oriented towards the end face 320 of the GRIN lens is substantially parallel to the end face 320 of the GRIN lens; however, the mirror is movable for slightly changing the angle between the end face 320 of the GRIN lens and the mirror 350. Being in a parallel 3o position to the end face 320, the collimated optical signal coming from the input optical fibre 400a is reflected back to the end face 310 of the GRIN lens and is focussed to the 10-311 CA Patent core of the output optical fibre 400b. Changing slightly the angle between the mirror 350 and the end face 320 (as shown with dotted lines) induces a shifting of the focussed signal off the optical axis of the core of the optical fibre. The signal is attenuated, however the movement of the focussed position creates polarization dependance loss.
It is an object of the instant invention to provide an optical attenuator that controllably defocuses the optical signal.
It is an object of the instant invention to provide a variably and reversibly deformable light transmissive lens.
It is an object of the instant invention to provide a variable optical attenuator using a deformable light transmissive lens in the form of a polymer.
It is an object of the instant invention to provide a variable optical attenuator that substantially overcomes polarization dependance loss.
Summary of the Invention 2o In accordance with the invention, there is provided an optical attenuator for variably attenuating an optical signal comprising a deformable lens for allowing the optical signal to propagate to an output port; a control means for controllably deforming the deformable lens including a control circuitry having a suitable programmed processor for controllably defocusing the optical signal; and an input port coupled to a first side of the deformable lens for launching the optical signal into the deformable lens.
In accordance with the invention there is provided, a method of variably attenuating an optical signal comprising the steps of launching the optical signal into a deformable lens and allowing the optical signal to propagate to an output port; and, controllably 3o deforming the deformable lens for controllably defocusing the optical signal at the output port.
10-311 CA Patent Brief Description of the Drawings Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described in conjunction with the drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a side view of a prior art diagram of an optical attenuator wherein a relatively movable slide of glass having a gradient of opacity is inserted between a pair of coaxial 1 o GRIN lenses into the path of the optical signal for variably attenuating an optical signal;
Fig. 2 is a side view of a prior art diagram of a reflected optical attenuator wherein a lens is inserted between a GRIN lens and a movable mirror for displacing a reflected focused position;
Fig. 3a is a side view of a cross-section diagram showing a polymer housed in a substrate in accordance with the instant invention;
Fig. 3b is a side view of a cross-section diagram showing the polymer of Fig.
4a 2o deformed in one direction creating a lens-shaped polymer;
Fig. 4 illustrates a side view of a block diagram showing an embodiment in accordance with the invention wherein the polymer is inserted between a pair of coaxial GRIN lenses for variably attenuating an optical signal passing therethrough;
Fig. 4a is a side view of a schematic diagram showing the path of the optical signal when the polymer is not deformed;
Fig. 4b is a side view of a schematic diagram showing the path of the optical signal when 3o the polymer is deformed to some extent so that the optical signal is defocused and attenuated;
Fig. 1 is a side view of a prior art diagram of an optical attenuator wherein a relatively movable slide of glass having a gradient of opacity is inserted between a pair of coaxial 1 o GRIN lenses into the path of the optical signal for variably attenuating an optical signal;
Fig. 2 is a side view of a prior art diagram of a reflected optical attenuator wherein a lens is inserted between a GRIN lens and a movable mirror for displacing a reflected focused position;
Fig. 3a is a side view of a cross-section diagram showing a polymer housed in a substrate in accordance with the instant invention;
Fig. 3b is a side view of a cross-section diagram showing the polymer of Fig.
4a 2o deformed in one direction creating a lens-shaped polymer;
Fig. 4 illustrates a side view of a block diagram showing an embodiment in accordance with the invention wherein the polymer is inserted between a pair of coaxial GRIN lenses for variably attenuating an optical signal passing therethrough;
Fig. 4a is a side view of a schematic diagram showing the path of the optical signal when the polymer is not deformed;
Fig. 4b is a side view of a schematic diagram showing the path of the optical signal when 3o the polymer is deformed to some extent so that the optical signal is defocused and attenuated;
10-311 CA Patent Fig. 4c is a side view of a schematic diagram showing the path of the optical signal when polymer is deformed so that the maximum attenuation is achieved;
Fig. 5 illustrates a side view of a block diagram showing another embodiment in accordance with the invention wherein a deformable lens coated with a reflective coating for reflecting the optical signal;
Fig. Sa is a side view of a schematic diagram showing the path of the optical signal when 1o the polymer coated with a reflective coating is not deformed;
Fig. Sb is a side view of a schematic diagram showing the path of the optical signal when the polymer coated with a reflective coating is deformed to some extent so that the optical signal is defocused and attenuated; and, Fig. Sc is a side view of a schematic diagram showing the path of the optical signal when the polymer coated with the reflective coating is deformed so that the maximum attenuation is achieved.
2o Detailed Description Fig. 3a shows a light transmissive substrate 400 having a first and a second parallel end faces, corresponding to an input end face 400a and an output end face 400b, on two opposite sides. The output end face 400b has an aperture 410 for allowing communication with a cavity 420 located inside the substrate. A polymer 430 is confined into the cavity 420 and is in contact with all the walls of the cavity 420.
The polymer 430 has the property of being deformable in a controllable and reversible manner.
Preferably, a control means 500 includes varying temperature. The control means 500 having a suitably programmed processor 510 is coupled to a digital-to-analogue (D to A) converter 3o to provide an analogue voltage to vary the temperature, for controllably deforming the polymer 430 is connected to the substrate 400. For example, a controlled increase of 10-311 CA Patent temperature of the substrate 400, using a resistive element or electrodes, is directly transmitted to the polymer 430 which controllably changes its form.
Fig. 3b shows how the polymer deforms to form a curved-shaped extension out of the aperture 410 of the substrate 400 in response, for example, to an increase of temperature.
Since the polymer 430 is a light transmissive polymer, the curved-shaped extension forms an optical lens 435 allowing a beam of light to pass therethrough. By controlling the extent of the deformation of the polymer 430, the focal length of the deformable lens 435 is modified. Thus, a beam of light coincident with the optical axis of the deformable lens, launched at the input end face 400a of the substrate 400 passes through the substrate and then through the lens where it is controllably focused, i.e. the focus position is displaced along the optical axis of the deformable lens 435. In the case where no modification of the temperature is applied, there is no deformation of the polymer 430 (see Fig. 3a). Accordingly, a beam of light launched at the input end face 400a of the ~ 5 substrate 400 passes through the substrate and then through the non-deformed polymer 430 where it passes straight through the polymer 430 without being altered.
Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of the instant invention where the light transmissive polymer 430 confined in the substrate 400 (describe above) is inserted into the path of a 2o beam of light between two coaxial GRIN lenses 440 and 450. The first GRIN
lens 440 has two substantially parallel end faces, a first end face 440a is connected to an input coaxial waveguide 445.for propagating a beam of light to an input port A at the end face 440a. The second end face 440b of the GRIN lens 440 is substantially parallel and in contact with the surface 400a of the substrate 400. The second GRIN lens 450 has two 25 substantially parallel end faces, a first end face 450a is substantially parallel and in contact with the surface 400b of the substrate 400. An output port B is connected to the second end face 450b of the GRIN lens 450 for receiving the beam of light and for transmitting it to an output coaxial waveguide 455. Moreover, the orientation of the substrate 400 is such that the optical axes OA of the GRIN lenses 440 and 450 passes 3o through the substrate and the light transmissive polymer 430 near the centre of the aperture 410 of the substrate 400.
Fig. 5 illustrates a side view of a block diagram showing another embodiment in accordance with the invention wherein a deformable lens coated with a reflective coating for reflecting the optical signal;
Fig. Sa is a side view of a schematic diagram showing the path of the optical signal when 1o the polymer coated with a reflective coating is not deformed;
Fig. Sb is a side view of a schematic diagram showing the path of the optical signal when the polymer coated with a reflective coating is deformed to some extent so that the optical signal is defocused and attenuated; and, Fig. Sc is a side view of a schematic diagram showing the path of the optical signal when the polymer coated with the reflective coating is deformed so that the maximum attenuation is achieved.
2o Detailed Description Fig. 3a shows a light transmissive substrate 400 having a first and a second parallel end faces, corresponding to an input end face 400a and an output end face 400b, on two opposite sides. The output end face 400b has an aperture 410 for allowing communication with a cavity 420 located inside the substrate. A polymer 430 is confined into the cavity 420 and is in contact with all the walls of the cavity 420.
The polymer 430 has the property of being deformable in a controllable and reversible manner.
Preferably, a control means 500 includes varying temperature. The control means 500 having a suitably programmed processor 510 is coupled to a digital-to-analogue (D to A) converter 3o to provide an analogue voltage to vary the temperature, for controllably deforming the polymer 430 is connected to the substrate 400. For example, a controlled increase of 10-311 CA Patent temperature of the substrate 400, using a resistive element or electrodes, is directly transmitted to the polymer 430 which controllably changes its form.
Fig. 3b shows how the polymer deforms to form a curved-shaped extension out of the aperture 410 of the substrate 400 in response, for example, to an increase of temperature.
Since the polymer 430 is a light transmissive polymer, the curved-shaped extension forms an optical lens 435 allowing a beam of light to pass therethrough. By controlling the extent of the deformation of the polymer 430, the focal length of the deformable lens 435 is modified. Thus, a beam of light coincident with the optical axis of the deformable lens, launched at the input end face 400a of the substrate 400 passes through the substrate and then through the lens where it is controllably focused, i.e. the focus position is displaced along the optical axis of the deformable lens 435. In the case where no modification of the temperature is applied, there is no deformation of the polymer 430 (see Fig. 3a). Accordingly, a beam of light launched at the input end face 400a of the ~ 5 substrate 400 passes through the substrate and then through the non-deformed polymer 430 where it passes straight through the polymer 430 without being altered.
Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of the instant invention where the light transmissive polymer 430 confined in the substrate 400 (describe above) is inserted into the path of a 2o beam of light between two coaxial GRIN lenses 440 and 450. The first GRIN
lens 440 has two substantially parallel end faces, a first end face 440a is connected to an input coaxial waveguide 445.for propagating a beam of light to an input port A at the end face 440a. The second end face 440b of the GRIN lens 440 is substantially parallel and in contact with the surface 400a of the substrate 400. The second GRIN lens 450 has two 25 substantially parallel end faces, a first end face 450a is substantially parallel and in contact with the surface 400b of the substrate 400. An output port B is connected to the second end face 450b of the GRIN lens 450 for receiving the beam of light and for transmitting it to an output coaxial waveguide 455. Moreover, the orientation of the substrate 400 is such that the optical axes OA of the GRIN lenses 440 and 450 passes 3o through the substrate and the light transmissive polymer 430 near the centre of the aperture 410 of the substrate 400.
10-311 CA Patent In operation, a beam of light passes from the input port A to the output port B through the defocusing polymer attenuator comprising the first GRIN lens 440, the light transmissive controllably deformable polymer and the second GRIN lens 450. The beam of light collimated by the first GRIN lens 440 enters the light transmissive substrate 400 at the input end face 400a and propagates to the light transmissive polymer 430. The substrate 400 is connected to the control means 500 described above; preferably, the temperature is chosen as a means to variably control the deformation of the polymer 430.
Furthermore, the control means 500 also includes a feedback circuitry 515 connected in the vicinity of 1 o the output port B for example on the waveguide 455 to tap some signal for controlling the defocusing of the optical signal.
As shown in Fig. 4a, if no modification of temperature is applied to the substrate 400, the polymer 430 does not deform, as a consequence, the collimated beam of light exiting the first GRIN lens 440 at the output end face 440b is launched into the substrate 400 at the input end face 400a and propagates through the non-deformed polymer 430. The collimated beam of light passes straight through the light transmissive polymer 430 without being altered and is launched into the second GRIN lens 450 where it is focussed to the output port B at the output end face 450b.
Fig. 4b shows that when a controlled and reversible increase of the temperature is applied to the substrate 400, the temperature increase radiates to and within the polymer 430, which deforms to form a lens-shaped 435 as shown in Fig. 3b. In this instance, a beam of light coincident with the OA launched into the first GRIN lens 440 at the input port A is collimated and exits the GRIN lens at output end face 440b to enter the light transmitting substrate 400 at input end face 400a. By passing through the deformable lens 435, the collimated beam of light is focused. However, depending on the deformation of the deformable lens 435, -which depends on the increase in temperature-, the focal length is modified such that the focus position is moved in the second GRIN lens 450.
From the 3o focus position into the GRIN lens 450, the beam of light is collimated;
thus, just a portion of the beam of light is received at the output port B at the output end face 450b. As a 10-311 CA Patent consequence, just a portion of the input beam of light is transmitted along the waveguide 455; the signal has been attenuated by defocusing the light.
When the focus position of the deformable lens coincides with the input end face 450a of the GRIN lens 450 (see Fig. 4c), the focused beam of light is collimated in the GRIN lens 450. Thus, only a small amount of the original beam of light is received at the output port B and transmitted to the waveguide 455. The beam of light being coincident with the AO of the defocusing polymer attenuator (GRIN lenses 440 and 450 and the deformable polymer 430) allows an attenuation of the signal without creating any 1o polarization dependence loss.
Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of the defocusing polymer attenuator wherein a polymer 550 confined within the substrate 400 described above is coated with a reflective coating.
The reflective controllably deformable polymer 550 is inserted into the path of an optical ~ 5 signal. The GRIN lens 540 has two substantially parallel end faces; a first substantially parallel end face 540a connected to an input waveguide 545 for transmitting a beam of light to an input port A at the end face 540a, and to an output waveguide 555 for transmitting a reflected beam of light received at an output B at the end face 540a. The second substantially parallel end face 540b of the GRIN lens 540 is substantially parallel 2o and in contact with the surface 400b of the substrate 400. Moreover, the orientation of the substrate 400 is such that the aperture 410 of the substrate is facing the second substantially parallel output end face 540b of the GRIN lens 540, and the optical axis OA
of the GRIN lens passes through the centre of the aperture 410 of the substrate 400. The input and output ports are on two opposite sides but equidistant from the optical axis OA
25 of the GRIN lens 540. Each port A and B is connected to a respective waveguide 545 and 555 parallel to the optical axis of the GRIN lens 540; specifically, the input port A is connected to the input waveguide 545; the output port B is connected to the output port 555.
3o In operation, a beam of light propagating along the waveguide 545 parallel to the optical axis is launched into an input port A located at the input end face 540a of the GRIN lens 10-311 CA ~ Patent 540 off the optical axis of the GRIN lens. At the end face 540b of the GRIN
lens, the collimated beam concentric with the optical axis of the lens 540 exits the lens 540 and is incident on the reflective controllably deformable polymer 550. The beam is reflected backwards towards the output port B which receives the reflected beam and transmits it to the output waveguide 555. The exact angle between the beam of light and the surface of the reflective controllably deformable polymer 550 (and/or the exact distance between input port A and the OA of the GRIN lens) is chosen to ensure that the collimated reflected light is redirected toward output port B. Moreover, the reflective beam of light is concentric with the optical axis of the lens, thus the reflected beam exits the lens 540 to parallel to the optical axis at the output port B. The substrate 400 is connected to the control means 500 described above; preferably, the temperature is chosen as a means to variably control the deformation of the polymer 550. Furthermore, the control means 500 also includes a feedback circuitry 515 connected in the vicinity of the output port B for example on the waveguide 555 to tap some signal for controlling the defocusing of the optical signal.
As shown in Fig. Sa, if no modification of temperature is applied to the substrate 400, the polymer 550 coated with a reflective coating does not deform, as a consequence, the collimated beam of light exiting the GRIN lens 540 at the output end face 540b contacts 2o the non-deformed polymer 550 coated with a reflective coating. The collimated beam of light is reflected backwards without being altered and is launched back into the GRIN
lens 540 where it is focussed to the output port B at the end face 450a.
Fig. Sb shows that when a controlled and reversible increase of the temperature is applied to the substrate 400, it is transmitted to the polymer 550 coated with a reflective coating that deforms to reach a lens-shaped form 535 as shown in Fig. 4b. In such case, a beam of light coincident with the OA launched into the GRIN lens 540 at the input port A is collimated and exits the GRIN lens at output end face 540b to contact the deformable lens 535 coated with a reflective coating. The collimated beam of light is reflected and 3o focused by the reflective coating of the deformable lens 535. However, depending on the deformation achieved by the deformable lens 535 (which depends on the increase in 10-311 CA Patent temperature) the focal length is modified such that the focus position is moved in the GRIN lens 554. From the focus position into the GRIN lens 540, the beam of light is collimated; thus, just a portion of the beam of light is received at the output port B. As a consequence, just a portion of the input beam of light is propagating along the waveguide 555; the signal has been attenuated by defocusing the light.
When the focus position of the deformable lens coincides with the output end face 540b of the GRIN lens 540 (see Fig. Sc), the focused beam of light reflected by the polymer 550 coated with the reflective coating is collimated in the GRIN lens 540.
Only a small 1 o amount of the original beam of light is received at the output port B and transmitted to the waveguide 555. The beam of light being coincident with the AO of the defocusing polymer attenuator (GRIN lens 540 and the deformable polymer coated with a reflective coating 550) allows an attenuation of the signal without creating any polarization dependence loss.
Of course, numerous other embodiments may be envisaged, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Furthermore, the control means 500 also includes a feedback circuitry 515 connected in the vicinity of 1 o the output port B for example on the waveguide 455 to tap some signal for controlling the defocusing of the optical signal.
As shown in Fig. 4a, if no modification of temperature is applied to the substrate 400, the polymer 430 does not deform, as a consequence, the collimated beam of light exiting the first GRIN lens 440 at the output end face 440b is launched into the substrate 400 at the input end face 400a and propagates through the non-deformed polymer 430. The collimated beam of light passes straight through the light transmissive polymer 430 without being altered and is launched into the second GRIN lens 450 where it is focussed to the output port B at the output end face 450b.
Fig. 4b shows that when a controlled and reversible increase of the temperature is applied to the substrate 400, the temperature increase radiates to and within the polymer 430, which deforms to form a lens-shaped 435 as shown in Fig. 3b. In this instance, a beam of light coincident with the OA launched into the first GRIN lens 440 at the input port A is collimated and exits the GRIN lens at output end face 440b to enter the light transmitting substrate 400 at input end face 400a. By passing through the deformable lens 435, the collimated beam of light is focused. However, depending on the deformation of the deformable lens 435, -which depends on the increase in temperature-, the focal length is modified such that the focus position is moved in the second GRIN lens 450.
From the 3o focus position into the GRIN lens 450, the beam of light is collimated;
thus, just a portion of the beam of light is received at the output port B at the output end face 450b. As a 10-311 CA Patent consequence, just a portion of the input beam of light is transmitted along the waveguide 455; the signal has been attenuated by defocusing the light.
When the focus position of the deformable lens coincides with the input end face 450a of the GRIN lens 450 (see Fig. 4c), the focused beam of light is collimated in the GRIN lens 450. Thus, only a small amount of the original beam of light is received at the output port B and transmitted to the waveguide 455. The beam of light being coincident with the AO of the defocusing polymer attenuator (GRIN lenses 440 and 450 and the deformable polymer 430) allows an attenuation of the signal without creating any 1o polarization dependence loss.
Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of the defocusing polymer attenuator wherein a polymer 550 confined within the substrate 400 described above is coated with a reflective coating.
The reflective controllably deformable polymer 550 is inserted into the path of an optical ~ 5 signal. The GRIN lens 540 has two substantially parallel end faces; a first substantially parallel end face 540a connected to an input waveguide 545 for transmitting a beam of light to an input port A at the end face 540a, and to an output waveguide 555 for transmitting a reflected beam of light received at an output B at the end face 540a. The second substantially parallel end face 540b of the GRIN lens 540 is substantially parallel 2o and in contact with the surface 400b of the substrate 400. Moreover, the orientation of the substrate 400 is such that the aperture 410 of the substrate is facing the second substantially parallel output end face 540b of the GRIN lens 540, and the optical axis OA
of the GRIN lens passes through the centre of the aperture 410 of the substrate 400. The input and output ports are on two opposite sides but equidistant from the optical axis OA
25 of the GRIN lens 540. Each port A and B is connected to a respective waveguide 545 and 555 parallel to the optical axis of the GRIN lens 540; specifically, the input port A is connected to the input waveguide 545; the output port B is connected to the output port 555.
3o In operation, a beam of light propagating along the waveguide 545 parallel to the optical axis is launched into an input port A located at the input end face 540a of the GRIN lens 10-311 CA ~ Patent 540 off the optical axis of the GRIN lens. At the end face 540b of the GRIN
lens, the collimated beam concentric with the optical axis of the lens 540 exits the lens 540 and is incident on the reflective controllably deformable polymer 550. The beam is reflected backwards towards the output port B which receives the reflected beam and transmits it to the output waveguide 555. The exact angle between the beam of light and the surface of the reflective controllably deformable polymer 550 (and/or the exact distance between input port A and the OA of the GRIN lens) is chosen to ensure that the collimated reflected light is redirected toward output port B. Moreover, the reflective beam of light is concentric with the optical axis of the lens, thus the reflected beam exits the lens 540 to parallel to the optical axis at the output port B. The substrate 400 is connected to the control means 500 described above; preferably, the temperature is chosen as a means to variably control the deformation of the polymer 550. Furthermore, the control means 500 also includes a feedback circuitry 515 connected in the vicinity of the output port B for example on the waveguide 555 to tap some signal for controlling the defocusing of the optical signal.
As shown in Fig. Sa, if no modification of temperature is applied to the substrate 400, the polymer 550 coated with a reflective coating does not deform, as a consequence, the collimated beam of light exiting the GRIN lens 540 at the output end face 540b contacts 2o the non-deformed polymer 550 coated with a reflective coating. The collimated beam of light is reflected backwards without being altered and is launched back into the GRIN
lens 540 where it is focussed to the output port B at the end face 450a.
Fig. Sb shows that when a controlled and reversible increase of the temperature is applied to the substrate 400, it is transmitted to the polymer 550 coated with a reflective coating that deforms to reach a lens-shaped form 535 as shown in Fig. 4b. In such case, a beam of light coincident with the OA launched into the GRIN lens 540 at the input port A is collimated and exits the GRIN lens at output end face 540b to contact the deformable lens 535 coated with a reflective coating. The collimated beam of light is reflected and 3o focused by the reflective coating of the deformable lens 535. However, depending on the deformation achieved by the deformable lens 535 (which depends on the increase in 10-311 CA Patent temperature) the focal length is modified such that the focus position is moved in the GRIN lens 554. From the focus position into the GRIN lens 540, the beam of light is collimated; thus, just a portion of the beam of light is received at the output port B. As a consequence, just a portion of the input beam of light is propagating along the waveguide 555; the signal has been attenuated by defocusing the light.
When the focus position of the deformable lens coincides with the output end face 540b of the GRIN lens 540 (see Fig. Sc), the focused beam of light reflected by the polymer 550 coated with the reflective coating is collimated in the GRIN lens 540.
Only a small 1 o amount of the original beam of light is received at the output port B and transmitted to the waveguide 555. The beam of light being coincident with the AO of the defocusing polymer attenuator (GRIN lens 540 and the deformable polymer coated with a reflective coating 550) allows an attenuation of the signal without creating any polarization dependence loss.
Of course, numerous other embodiments may be envisaged, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims (20)
1. An optical attenuator for variably defocusing an optical signal comprising:
a) a deformable lens for allowing the signal to propagate to an output port;
b) a control means for controllably deforming the deformable lens including a control circuitry having a suitable programmed processor for controllably defocusing the optical signal; and c) an input port coupled to a first side of the deformable lens for launching the optical signal into the deformable lens.
a) a deformable lens for allowing the signal to propagate to an output port;
b) a control means for controllably deforming the deformable lens including a control circuitry having a suitable programmed processor for controllably defocusing the optical signal; and c) an input port coupled to a first side of the deformable lens for launching the optical signal into the deformable lens.
2. An optical attenuator as defined in claim 1 wherein the deformable lens is a light transmissive polymer for allowing transmission of the optical signal therethrough.
3. An optical attenuator as defined in claim 2 wherein the deformable lens comprises an elastomeric material.
4. An optical attenuator as defined in claim 3 wherein the deformable lens is reversibly and controllably deformable.
5. An optical attenuator as defined in claim 4 wherein the control means is for controllably changing the focal length of the deformable lens for variably defocusing the optical signal received at the output port.
6. An optical attenuator as defined in claim 5 wherein the control circuitry includes a feedback circuitry for providing a signal for controlling the defocusing of the optical signal.
7. An optical attenuator as defined in claim 6 wherein the control means is capable of deforming a polymer.
8. An optical attenuator as defined in claim 7, wherein a first GRIN lens is disposed between the input port and the deformable lens.
9. An optical attenuator as defined in claim 8, wherein a second GRIN lens is disposed between the deformable lens and the output port.
10. An optical attenuator as defined in claim 8 wherein the output port is at an opposite side of the deformable lens from the input port.
11. An optical attenuator as defined in claim 7 wherein the deformable lens is coated with a reflective coating for allowing reflection of the optical signal incident thereon.
12. An optical attenuator as defined in claim 11 wherein the output port is on the same side of the deformable lens as the input port.
13. A method of variably attenuating an optical signal comprising the steps of:
a) launching the optical signal into a deformable lens and allowing the signal to propagate to an output port; and, b) controllably deforming the deformable lens for controllably defocusing the optical signal at the output port.
a) launching the optical signal into a deformable lens and allowing the signal to propagate to an output port; and, b) controllably deforming the deformable lens for controllably defocusing the optical signal at the output port.
14. A method as defined in claim 13 wherein the step of controllably deforming the deformable lens comprises allowing the deformable lens to expand in one direction while confining it in one other direction.
15. A method as defined in claim 14 wherein the step of controllably deforming the deformable lens comprises varying a temperature of the deformable lens.
16. A method as defined in claim 14 wherein the step of varying the temperature of the deformable lens comprises the step of applying a voltage or current to a resistive element.
17. A method as defined in claim 13 wherein the step of controllably deforming the deformable lens comprises the step of compressing at least a portion of the deformable lens.
18. A method as defined in claim 17 wherein controllably defocusing the optical signal at the output port comprises monitoring the optical signal in dependence upon a feedback circuitry.
19. A method as defined in claim 18 wherein the step of monitoring the optical signal comprises probing the signal in the vicinity of the output port.
20. A method of variably attenuating an optical signal comprising the steps of:
launching the optical signal into an input port optically coupled to a first graded index lens for collimating the optical signal;
transmitting the collimated optical signal to a polymer confined in a housing, the housing having at least one aperture for allowing the polymer to expand and deform in at least one direction for forming a curved-shaped extension corresponding to a deformable lens;
controllably deforming the deformable lens by applying a voltage, to a conductive element so that a modification due to the variation of voltage radiates to and within the polymer, to induce the deformation of the deformable lens with a control circuitry having a suitable programmed processor for controllably defocusing the optical signal such that the collimated optical signal incident upon the deformable lens is focussed to various positions for variably attenuating the optical signal in dependence upon the deformation of the deformable lens;
receiving the variably attenuated optical signal at an output port optically coupled to a second graded index lens and to an output waveguide; and, varying the voltage applied in dependence upon a feedback signal probed at the output waveguide, in the vicinity of the output port; the feedback signal being transmitted to a feedback circuitry connected to the control circuitry for monitoring the defocusing of the optical signal.
launching the optical signal into an input port optically coupled to a first graded index lens for collimating the optical signal;
transmitting the collimated optical signal to a polymer confined in a housing, the housing having at least one aperture for allowing the polymer to expand and deform in at least one direction for forming a curved-shaped extension corresponding to a deformable lens;
controllably deforming the deformable lens by applying a voltage, to a conductive element so that a modification due to the variation of voltage radiates to and within the polymer, to induce the deformation of the deformable lens with a control circuitry having a suitable programmed processor for controllably defocusing the optical signal such that the collimated optical signal incident upon the deformable lens is focussed to various positions for variably attenuating the optical signal in dependence upon the deformation of the deformable lens;
receiving the variably attenuated optical signal at an output port optically coupled to a second graded index lens and to an output waveguide; and, varying the voltage applied in dependence upon a feedback signal probed at the output waveguide, in the vicinity of the output port; the feedback signal being transmitted to a feedback circuitry connected to the control circuitry for monitoring the defocusing of the optical signal.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002307249A CA2307249A1 (en) | 1999-04-30 | 2000-04-27 | Defocusing polymer attenuator |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002271159A CA2271159A1 (en) | 1999-04-30 | 1999-04-30 | Optical hybrid device |
| CA2,271,159 | 1999-04-30 | ||
| CA002307249A CA2307249A1 (en) | 1999-04-30 | 2000-04-27 | Defocusing polymer attenuator |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2307249A1 true CA2307249A1 (en) | 2000-10-30 |
Family
ID=25680932
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002307249A Abandoned CA2307249A1 (en) | 1999-04-30 | 2000-04-27 | Defocusing polymer attenuator |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2307249A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2007133433A2 (en) * | 2006-05-09 | 2007-11-22 | Lucent Technologies Inc. | Optical beam steering using a polymer actuator |
-
2000
- 2000-04-27 CA CA002307249A patent/CA2307249A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2007133433A2 (en) * | 2006-05-09 | 2007-11-22 | Lucent Technologies Inc. | Optical beam steering using a polymer actuator |
| WO2007133433A3 (en) * | 2006-05-09 | 2008-03-20 | Lucent Technologies Inc | Optical beam steering using a polymer actuator |
| JP2009536371A (en) * | 2006-05-09 | 2009-10-08 | アルカテル−ルーセント ユーエスエー インコーポレーテッド | Method, apparatus and system for self-aligning components, subassemblies and assemblies |
| JP4751471B2 (en) * | 2006-05-09 | 2011-08-17 | アルカテル−ルーセント ユーエスエー インコーポレーテッド | Method, apparatus and system for self-aligning components, subassemblies and assemblies |
| CN101438194B (en) * | 2006-05-09 | 2012-06-20 | 朗讯科技公司 | Optical beam steering using a polymer actuator |
| US8936404B2 (en) | 2006-05-09 | 2015-01-20 | Alcatel Lucent | Method, apparatus and system for self-aligning components, sub-assemblies and assemblies |
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