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

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 electro...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Applied physics letters 2014-07, Vol.105 (2)
Main Authors: Duduś, A., Blue, R., Zagnoni, M., Stewart, G., Uttamchandani, D.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied physics
Broadband
Fiber optics
Microfluidics
Miniaturization
Optical fibers
Wave attenuation
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Summary: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.
ISSN:0003-6951
1077-3118
DOI:10.1063/1.4890478