| 摘要 |
A variable fiber optic attenuator is formed of a first, movable section of optical fiber and a second, fixed section of optical fiber. The fibers are disposed end-to-end on a substrate, where the substrate includes a cavity formed underneath an end portion of the movable fiber. As supported, the fiber endfaces are aligned such that complete optical coupling is achieved between the fibers. Upon application of an external force to the first, movable fiber, the end portion of the fiber is forced downward into the cavity (such as, for example, by application of an external magnetic field and the inclusion of a permalloy sleeve around the end portion). As the fiber moves downward into the cavity, the endface will become misaligned with the endface of the fixed fiber, leading to attenuation of the signal passing through the fixed fiber. By controlling the force applied to the movable fiber, the degree of attenuation can be well-controlled.
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