| 摘要 |
<p>A continuously variable fiber optic attenuator (10), particularly for attenuating single mode fibers, has means (20) for supporting a section (25) of an optical fiber (24) substantially along the length of the section (25), and means (22) for bending at least a portion of the supported optical fiber section (25) in a controlled manner for attenuating light passing through the optical fiber (24). Preferably, the support means (20), comprises a deformable support means such as a spring (15) or an elastomeric body for supporting the optical fiber (24), as it is bent. Most preferably, the deformable support means section (25) of optical fiber (24) formed in one or more loops around the deformable support means the bending means is a plunger (22) movable to an extended position pressing against the support means (20) to bend portions of the loops of optical fiber (24), in a controlled manner. The fiber optic attenuator (10) provides accurate control over the amount of attenuation of the light passing through the fiber (24) without damaging the optical fiber (24) or the signal passing therethrough. <IMAGE></p> |
