Get to know few Facts about Optical Attenuator

In a fiber optic communication system an optical attenuator is an electronic device commonly used to decrease the level of power of an optical signal. In fiber optics, attenuation is also called transmission loss.

Concerning the distance traveled by the signal in a transmission medium, it is the reduction in light signal intensity. To limit the transmission of a digital signal traveling in large distances, attenuation is an important element. As optical attenuator travels along with free space or an optical fiber it reduces this optical signal.

When used in fiber optic communications optical fiber attenuators may employ several principles. The gap loss principle is one common principle. Attenuators using this principle are sensitive to the modal distribution ahead of the attenuator. Thus, they should be utilized near or at the transmitting end. If not, the attenuators can establish less loss than intended.

Three basic types of optical attenuators are the fixed attenuator, step-wise attenuator, and the continuously variable attenuator. You can buy an optical circulator online.

Light signals are reduced by fixed attenuators by a specific amount with negligible or no reflection. As signal reflection is not an issue, fixed attenuators are known for more accurate data transmission.

With fixed attenuators, the important elements associated are the amount of attenuation, flatness over a specified frequency, range, average and peak power-handling capability, performance over a specific temperature, voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR), size, and height.

In an electronic circuit, fixed attenuators are also often used to enhance interstage matching. The optical isolator is also much in demand.

In variable optical attenuators (VOA), resistors are replaced with solid-state devices such as and PIN diodes the metal-semiconductor a field-effect transistor (MESFETs). VOA attenuates beam or light signal that to in a controlled manner, resulting in the production of an output optical beam with different attenuated intensity.

To regulate optical power levels VOA is usually used in fiber optic communication systems so that it can prevent damages in optical receivers which may be due to irregular or fluctuating power levels. Depending on the manufacturing technology used the price of commercial VOA varies. Some of the manufacturers of VOA are Timbercon and Arcoptix.