MOEMS variable optical attenuators using rotary comb drive actuators

Abstract

We propose a novel design of variable optical attenuator using electrostatic rotary comb actuator. Our optimized electromechanical design results in large dynamic range of 57-dB attenuation, low driving voltage of 3.6 dc V for 30-dB attenuation, fast response time of 3 ms, and excellent optical transient stability with no mechanical overshoot. The optimized layout design also contributes small device footprint of 3.2/spl times/4.7 mm/sup 2/ only.