The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 10, 1998
Filed:
Jun. 19, 1996
Applicant:
Inventors:
Jing-Jong Pan, Milpitas, CA (US);
Ming Shih, Milpitas, CA (US);
Assignee:
E-Tek Dynamics, Inc., San Jose, CA (US);
Attorney:
Primary Examiner:
Assistant Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
G02B / ;
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
385140 ; 385 11 ; 349196 ;
Abstract
An improved optical attenuator minimizes polarization mode dispersion in optical signals carried by optical fiber systems. The optical signals are expanded and refocussed by GRIN lenses, and the attenuator makes use of a liquid crystal cell disposed between birefringent polarizers for polarization-independent attenuation or switching. A birefringent plate compensates for dispersion of the ordinary and extra-ordinary rays within the attenuator. The plate will often be disposed at an oblique angle to minimize walk-off between these rays.