Patent ID: 6301425
Filing Date: 2001-10-09
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
A variable attenuator device for attenuating a signal transmitted between two optically aligned components, the two optical components being disposed in spaced-apart relation to define a gap therebetween, the attenuator comprising:at least one magnetic shutter movable from a first position within the gap to at least a second position;a second magnetic component for latchably coacting with the at least one magnetic shutter to move the shutter from the first position to the at least second position,wherein when the at least one magnetic shutter is in the first position, the shutter causes a first level of attenuation in the signal transmitted between the two optical components and when ire at least one magnetic shutter is in the at least second position, the shutter causes a second level of attenuation in the signal such that movement of the shutter from the first position to the at least second position causes a change in the attenuation to define the variable attenuator device.