Patent ID: 6665485
Filing Date: 2003-12-16
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
A variable optical attenuator for attenuating optical signals input from an input optical fiber and output to an output optical fiber, comprising:a housing; a filter having a varying optical density gradient along at least one of its dimensions; and a reciprocating means coupled to the filter and moveable within the housing to actuate movement of the filter along a direction parallel to the at least one dimension over which the optical density gradient of the filter varies, wherein said reciprocating means has a stopper mechanism moving with said filter, said stopper mechanism has two stopper blocks which abut against a wall of said housing to stop said filter with either a lower density region or a higher density region being in a path of transmission of the optical signals; and at least two adjusting controls disposed on two opposite transverse sides of the housing to adjustably move said reciprocating means with accessibility from said two sides respectively.