Title :
Broadband All-Digital Variable Fiber-Optic Attenuator Using Digital Micromirror Device
Author :
Riza, Nabeel A. ; Reza, Syed Azer
Author_Institution :
Central Florida Univ., Orlando
Abstract :
To the best of our knowledge, we propose the first broadband variable fiber-optic attenuator (VFOA) using a digital micromirror device (DMD). The VFOA design is based on a unique double reflection geometry structure that counters the strong spectral attenuation inherent when implementing single-mode-fiber light coupling via a pixelated blazed grating device such as a DMD. The demonstrated VFOA features ~C-band 1530- to 1560-nm broadband attenuation operation with a plusmn0.17-dB in-band variation and a 25-dB attenuation dynamic range. This high repeatability all-digital VFOA can be useful in broadband optical source controls, test instrumentation, telecommunications, signal processing, and sensor systems.
Keywords :
micromechanical devices; micromirrors; optical attenuators; optical fibres; all digital variable attenuator; broadband optical source control; broadband variable fiber-optic attenuator; digital micromirror device; double reflection geometry structure; microelectromechanical systems; pixelated blazed grating device; sensor system; signal processing; single mode fiber light coupling; spectral attenuation; telecommunication applications; test instrumentation; wavelength 1530 nm to 1560 nm; Counting circuits; Geometry; Gratings; Micromirrors; Optical attenuators; Optical control; Optical coupling; Optical fiber devices; Optical reflection; Optical signal processing; Broadband; digital micromirror device (DMD); fiber optics; microelectromechanical systems (MEMS); variable optical attenuator;
Journal_Title :
Photonics Technology Letters, IEEE
DOI :
10.1109/LPT.2007.905202
