Patent ID: 6980727
Filing Date: 2005-12-27
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
1. A methodology for providing a monolithically integrated micro-electro-mechanical system variable optical attenuator, comprising; providing a fixed optical waveguide of silicon as monolithically integrated in a single-crystal silicon device layer; providing a movable optical waveguide of silicon as also monolithically integrated in the single-crystal silicon device layer which may be brought into substantial alignment with the fixed optical waveguide; providing a thermal drive actuator monolithically integrated in single-crystal silicon and linked to the movable optical waveguide; actuating the thermal drive actuator, so as to move the movable optical waveguide in its alignment; misaligning the movable optical waveguide relative to the fixed optical waveguide in a manner controlled such that any optical signal passing through the fixed and movable waveguides is attenuated by some variable amount of attenuation; latching the thermal drive actuator with one or more thermal latch actuators monolithically integrated in single-crystal silicon so as to hold the misalignment of the movable optical waveguide relative to the fixed optical waveguide; and releasing the actuation of the thermal drive actuator subsequent to its latching by the one or more thermal latch actuators.