Thermomechanical Optical Attenuator

Supplementary material in the form of homework and design problems are provided in pdf format.  Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view these files.  The software is free of charge. MATLAB scripts are in ".m" files, MAPLE scripts are in ".mws" files, and SIMULINK scripts are in ".mdl" files. You can view these files using any ascii text editor.

Problem Statement

Optical communication systems require variable attenuators and shutters to control individual light beams.  This project explores the use of thermomechanical actuation to create a MEMS variable optical attenuator (VOA) and its associated control circuitry.  This device should incorporate a continuously adjustable element that can interrupt a light beam in a fiber optic network, thereby adjusting power level of the signal.  The chip's design and packaging should therefore allow for connection with optical fibers.

 

Download OpticalAttenuator.pdf  for the full design problem description.

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