In-line single-mode fiber variable optical attenuator based on electrically addressable microdroplets

Duduś, A. and Blue, R. and Zagnoni, M. and Stewart, G. and Uttamchandani, D. (2014) In-line single-mode fiber variable optical attenuator based on electrically addressable microdroplets. Applied Physics Letters, 105 (2). 021105. ISSN 0003-6951 (https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4890478)

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Abstract

We report an in-line, fiber optic, broadband variable optical attenuator employing a side-polished, single-mode optical fiber integrated on a digital microfluidics platform. The system is designed to electrically translate a liquid droplet along the polished surface of an optical fiber using electrowetting forces. This fiber optic device has the advantage of no moving mechanical parts and lends itself to miniaturization. A maximum attenuation of 25 dB has been obtained in the wavelength range between 1520 nm and 1560 nm.

ORCID iDs

Duduś, A., Blue, R. ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8598-5210, Zagnoni, M. ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3198-9491, Stewart, G. and Uttamchandani, D. ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2362-4874;
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