Abstract
We present a novel variable optical attenuator (VOA) using a new micro-optical waveguide (MOW) on micro-actuating platform (MAP) structure. The device consists of a fused biconical taper (FBT) coupler mounted on an electromechanical system where the axial stress over the waist of FBT coupler is precisely controlled. Its operation is based on change of coupling constant by compressive stress induced photoelastic effects on the waist zone. Three different types of devices operating near 1450 nm were fabricated with different cross-sectional morphologies at the FBT waists. The device with a circular cross section showed the highest stress sensitivity, where π phase shifts in the coupling constant were observed at an axial displacement of 9.5 μm. The proposed device showed a monotonic and continuous attenuation control up to 34.45 dB, with a very low PDL of 0.06 dB and a relatively low operating voltage of 15.3 V.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 38-47 |
| Number of pages | 10 |
| Journal | Optical Fiber Technology |
| Volume | 12 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2006 Jan |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:This work was supported in part by the Brain Korea-21 Information Technology Project, Ministry of Education, Korea and the Korea Science and Engineering Foundation (KOSEF) through the Ultrafast Fiber-Optic Networks Research Center at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology in Korea.
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
- Control and Systems Engineering
- Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
- Instrumentation
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering