Three dimensional thermo-electro-mechanical device for controlling light propagation in an optical guide

Abstract

A variable optical attenuator comprises a portion of a waveguide through which optical energy can propagate having a side surface through which optical energy can be extracted; a layer of thermo sensitive material having controllable optical properties, covering the side surface of the portion; a helicoidal heating element wrapped around the waveguide and covering at least the layer. The helicoidal heating element can be used to control the optical properties of the material by inducing a thermal transfer profile on the material using the heat dissipation of the heater through the material; wherein a wave propagation in the waveguide is influenced by the optical properties of the material controlled by the heating element. The heating element can also have a measurable temperature coefficient; a controller for controlling the temperature of the heating element as a function of the temperature coefficient; wherein the temperature of the heating element can be controlled without using an additional temperature probe. And the heating element can also be used to control the curing of the material using the heat dissipation of the heater through the material, thereby providing a mechanical armature for the material and the waveguide; wherein the mechanical armature solidifies the attenuator.