Variable optical fiber attenuators

Abstract

Optical fiber attenuators are commonly used to adjust optical power level in optical systems. Various attenuators have been introduced and most of the commercially available attenuators involve fiber termination so that fiber alignment is essential. Consequently, the process of fabrication becomes more complicated. This paper proposes a simple method to construct attenuators with a sharp bend. Some prototypes were made and their performances are presented. We believe that this method provides a simple and reliable structure since the transmitted optical power is confined within the optical fiber.