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:
Sep. 23, 2003
Filed:
Oct. 05, 2001
Nada A. O'Brien, Santa Rosa, CA (US);
J. Gordon H. Mathew, Santa Rosa, CA (US);
Michael J. Cumbo, Santa Rosa, CA (US);
Bryant P. Hichwa, Santa Rosa, CA (US);
Robert W. Adair, Santa Rosa, CA (US);
JDS Uniphase Corporation, San Jose, CA (US);
Abstract
A variable optical attenuator device is provided for modulating an optical signal. The attenuator device includes a variable attenuation assembly with an electrochromic structure interposed between a first electrode and a second electrode. The electrochromic structure is configured to reversibly change its optical characteristics from a bleached off state to a colored active state under the influence of an electrical potential applied to the first and second electrodes to thereby modulate the optical signal. The optical attenuator device includes at least one lens attached to the variable attenuation assembly. The lens cooperates with the variable attenuation assembly to direct the optical signal towards the electrochromic structure. Waveguides such as optical fibers define ports at the outer endface of the lens for the optical signal.