Variable optical attenuator for perfluorinated gradual index polymer optical fiber using a polymer dispersed liquid crystal cell

M. A. J. Pontes; C. Vázquez; J. M. S. Pena; P. C. Lallana; D. S. Montero

doi:10.1117/12.622837

6 October 2005 Variable optical attenuator for perfluorinated gradual index polymer optical fiber using a polymer dispersed liquid crystal cell

M. A. J. Pontes, C. Vázquez, J. M. S. Pena, P. C. Lallana, D. S. Montero

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 5947, Liquid Crystals: Optics and Applications; 59470H (2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.622837
Event: Congress on Optics and Optoelectronics, 2005, Warsaw, Poland

Abstract

A Variable Optical Attenuator (VOA) based on a Polymer-Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) Cell is presented. The VOA's developed prototype has been successfully tested at 660nm, 850nm and 1300nm. This ability makes it strongly recommended for networks using Perfluorinated Gradual Index Polymer Optical Fiber (PF GI-POF) technology. The prototype has revealed a better than 12dBs dynamic range and losses of <1.2dB. In addition, the VOA presents a very low power consumption and non-dependendence with polarization. In order to avoid the dependence with temperature, an electrooptical feedback is incorporated to the device, by means of a microcontroller system. Electrically controllable intermediate transmission levels can be selected this way. The response time is in the milisecond range. The present feedback prototype, developed with POF technology, includes lenses, PDLC, 1x2 POF couplers and fotodiodes in the optical part, and a microcontroller system where the feedback processing is carried out. No polarizers are required so that optical losses are minimal. Polymer-Dispersed Liquid Crystals are formed by microdroplets of liquid crystal embedded in a flexible matrix, and sandwiched between transparent electrodes. This structure scatters strongly the light. When an AC electrical field is applied to the film the material becomes transparent. A largest dynamic range could be achieved designing conveniently the radius of the microdroplets. No-dependence with polarization, high transmittance when activated, and large dynamic range within a wide range of optical wavelengths make PDLC the most appropriate liquid crystal technology for VOAs fabrication.

Citation Download Citation

M. A. J. Pontes, C. Vázquez, J. M. S. Pena, P. C. Lallana, and D. S. Montero "Variable optical attenuator for perfluorinated gradual index polymer optical fiber using a polymer dispersed liquid crystal cell", Proc. SPIE 5947, Liquid Crystals: Optics and Applications, 59470H (6 October 2005); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.622837

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available