Tension adjusted inline optical fiber attenuator

Abstract From the Canadian patent

Abstract, An single-mode fiber attenuator is disclosed which may be formed by a tandem combination of a birefringent polarization-preserving fiber and a single polarization fiber. The birefringent fiber functions as a variable wave plate and the single polarization fiber functions as a fiber polarizer. By continuously changing the local birefringence of the birefringent fiber with, For example, tension pressure, or temperature, the phase difference between the two polarization components of light traveling through the birefringent fiber is continuously modified. The difference in phase causes suppression of one of the polarization components as it enters the fiber polarizer and, therefore, …