Fiber Optical Variable Attenuators

We offer the industry’s most extensive selection of fiber variable optical attenuators (VOAs), addressing all application scenarios with best-in-class performance and value. Our VOAs leverage advanced technologies including fiber-to-fiber direct coupling—free of lenses and coatings—for ultra-broad wavelength operation and support for large-core fibers up to 1 mm; electro-optic crystal configurations for high-speed modulation and power handling up to 10 W; fiber-bending mechanisms for near-lossless attenuation and extreme power handling up to 200 W; and conventional MEMS designs for cost-effective, high-density integration. Enhanced with precision electronics, our VOAs deliver high accuracy, repeatability, and seamless integration into turnkey programmable test systems. In addition, we offer top-tier variable splitters/couplers, optical power regulators, shutters, manual attenuators, and high-precision fixed inline attenuators. The table below provides guidance for selecting the appropriate model based on specific application needs.

Switch Type MEMS Fiber-Fiber™ NanoSpeed™ High Precision Systems Power Regulator Acousto Modulator
Broad Wavelength
Fast Response
High Optical Power  
Large Fiber Core  
Programmable
Power Control  
Vibration Insensitive
Low Loss  
Array

How To Select Variable Optical Attenuator (VOA) Type?

Feedback or Calibration
Electrically variable attenuators are used to control optical power.  It is generally used in a feedback scheme by incorporating an optical tap monitor in a fiber optical system to achieve precision power control that is independent of environmental changes.  Although calibration schemes are also used to compensate for temperature-induced variations, the calibrations often become less accurate over time.  We uniquely produce Precision VOAs with integrated feedback in a compact form factor.

Special Wavelengths
If your operation wavelengths are out of the common communication band and use special fibers, it is often costly to make new VOA components with special anti-reflection coatings.  We have overcome this hurdle with our unique Fiber-Fiber direct coupling technology, offering the lowest cost and the fastest delivery in the industry.

Low Optical Loss
If your operation requires VOA with optical loss as small as possible,  our Fiber-Fiber VOA is nearly lossless.   0.005 dB insertion loss version is available for purchase.

Large Attenuation
For applications that require large attenuations, we uniquely produce MEMS VOA and Fiber-Fiber VOAs that can reach 80dB light blocking level.

Fast Response
We lead the market in high-speed VOAs.  Compact integrated modules that take out optical power spike or regulate the optical power are available.

High Optical Power
For high optical power applications, we uniquely produce High Power VOA up to 20 W.

Small Size
We produce the smallest VOA on the market, with a diameter of only 3.2 mm.