VARIABLE OPTICAL ATTENUATOR

摘要

PURPOSE: A variable optical attenuator is provided to change an initial position of a variable shutter or a variable mirror by using a new driving method and improve the linearity in a data transmission process by using a differential circuit. CONSTITUTION: A variable optical attenuator includes a substrate(6) on which a transmission fiber(1), a reception fiber(2), a variable shutter(3), a comb actuator(4), and a spring(5). The transmission fiber is used for transmitting the light. The reception fiber is installed at a position coaxial to the transmission fiber in order to receive the light. The variable shutter is located between the transmission fiber and the reception fiber in order to control the amount of attenuation by blocking or passing the light according to the displacement. The comb actuator is used for driving the variable shutter in order to form the displacement proportional to a driving voltage. The spring is used for providing the restoring force to the variable shutter.