Nortel Networks Corporation

Sean Sebastian O'Keefe

Keith D Anderson

The invention relates to a variable optical attenuator having a profiled blade. It includes a mounting base with an actuator formed on the base, the actuator carrying the blade which is moveable across a light beam. The blade is profiled so as to provide a predetermined attenuation of the beam as a function of the displacement of the blade, the function being preferably substantially linear. As a way of example, first and second embodiments of the invention describe an electrostatic comb attenuator made of a semiconductor material and forming a monolithic structure. The embodiments relate to different blade profiles, having a protrusion and a notch at the front edge of the blade respectively. The attenuator device additionally includes light input and output lenses for receiving and directing light along a predetermined optical path. Other known type of attenuators having profiled blades, e.g. thermal, electromagnetic, microgears and piezo-electric, may also be used in modifications to the preferred embodiments described above. If required, the attenuator may be integrated into a package.

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Nepean, Canada

Sean Sebastian O'Keefe