Optical Variable Attenuators

  • SM, Multi-Mode, Polarization Maintaining (PM)
  • All Types: MEMS, Electro-Optical, Optomechanical
  • Ultra-Low Loss  (0.2dB)
  • High Attenuation (>65dB)
  • All Wavelengths (200nm to 3000nm)
  • All Fiber Types (3 μm to 900 μm core, double cladding)
  • Ultra-High-Speed (100ns)
  • High Optical Power ( up to 20W CW)
  • Low Drive Voltage <5V
  • Wide Operation Temperature (-40Co to 85Co)
  • Ultra-High Reliability (full space, mill-spec qualifications)
  • Smallest Size
  • Vibration Insensitive
  • Competitive Price
  • Turn-Key Modules and Unsurpassed Customer Solutions
  • Large Core (up to 1mm ф)
  • Programmable

We produce electrical and manual fiber optic variable attenuators for a broad application scenarios in volume, leading the market in performance and value. Perfected over 20 years, we offer the lowest loss, the highest attenuation, the fastest, the smallest, and the most reliable fiber attenuators in the industry. Our thermal actuation MEMS VOAs have the smallest size, the highest attenuation level, and ultra-high reliability.  Our Fiber-Fiber™ MEMS series VOAs offer unique performances of near-lossless, ultra-broadband, and all-type fiber compatibility. Our high-precision VOAs have a built-in position sensor achieving high stability/repeatability as well as linearity. For high-speed operation, our solid-state NanoSpeed™ VOAs set an industry-standard in low loss and fast rise/fall, as well as high power handling. The table below guides fiber VOA selection according to your key requirement. All VOAs can be delivered in a turn-key net-ready box. Moreover, we provide custom solutions with in-house micro-assembly and MEMS wafer fabrication.

Fiber Optical Variable Attenuator Selection Guide by Applications
Test/Measurement
 MEMS Fiber-Fiber™
High Repeatability/Precision Fiber-Fiber™
High Speed NanoSpeed™
Latching
 Fiber-Fiber™
High Power
 NanoSpeed™ Fiber-Fiber™
Vibration Insensitive
 NanoSpeed™
Mini Size MEMS
Ultra-Low Loss       <0.2dB Fiber-Fiber™
Ultra-Broad Wavelength      0.3 ~ 3μm
 Fiber-Fiber™
Large Core Fiber
 Fiber-Fiber™
Short Wavelengths Fiber-Fiber™
Low Coherent Lights Fiber-Fiber™
High Attenuation >60dB Fiber-Fiber™ MEMS

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 20W.

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