Patent ID: 6130984
Filing Date: 2000-10-10
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
A variable attenuator comprising:an electrical component having a body that defines a linear path and an element which is movable along the path to vary an electrical characteristic of the component;an input optical fiber having an end with a dejacketed end portion adjacent the end, the dejacketed end portion having a core surrounded by a cladding;an output optical fiber affixed in an optical path of an optical signal from the input fiber, the output optical fiber having an end with a dejacketed end portion adjacent the end, the dejacketed end portion having a core surrounded by a cladding;a reflector affixed in the optical path between the input fiber and the output fiber;an optical filter having a filter density which varies between a lower density region and a higher density region along a linear filter axis parallel to the path, an effective region of the filter disposed in the optical path between the input fiber and the output fiber, the filter affixed to the element so that the effective filter region moves between the low density region and the high density region in response to the element of the component moving along the path, whereby the electrical characteristic of the component indicates effective filter density, the filter moveably disposed in the optical path between the input fiber and the reflector, the filter also moveably disposed in the optical path between the reflector and the output fiber;a collimating GRIN lens disposed in the optical path between the input fiber and the output fiber for expanding and collimating the optical signal transmitted therebetween; anda ferrule, the end portion of the input fiber and the end portion of the output fiber disposed in a common lumen of the ferrule adjacent the collimating GRIN lens so that the cladding of the input fiber is in contact with the cladding of the output fiber adjacent the ends of the input and output fibers.