What is a LC Fiber Optical Attenuator?

LC optic fiber attenuator is a passive device used to reduce light signal intensity without significantly changing the waveform itself. This is often a requirement in Dense Wave Division Multiplexing (DWDM) and Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifier (EDFA) applications where the receiver cannot accept the signal generated from a high-power light source.

LC fiber optic attenuators are key in controlling controlling the power level of an optical path in fiber optic telecommunication systems. LC Build-on fiber optic attenuators are used to reduce excess optical power from the transmitter that can result in over-saturation of the receiver.

LC fiber optical attenuator features a type of metal-ion doped fiber which reduces the light signal as it passes through. This method of attenuation allows for higher performance than fiber splices or fiber offsets or fiber clearance, which function by misdirecting rather than absorbing the light signal.

Build-on type LC fiber optic attenuators are designed to provide flat spectral attenuation across the full spectrum range from 1280nm to 1624nm. This way the LC attenuators expand the capacity of optical networks by enabling the use of the E-band (1400-nm window) for optical transmission.

These attenuators feature simple and rugged structure utilizing ion doped fiber as the attenuating material. They can be placed directly on the active equipment and are capable of withstanding over 1W of high power light exposure for extended periods of time, making them well-suited to EDFA and other high-power applications.

Build-on style LC attenuators are a combination of a connector on one end, and an adapter on the other. This allows it to be "plugged-in" to almost any LC adapter. The assembly contains a ferrule that is available in standard polish connectors (PC) and 8 degree angle polish (APC). They are backward compatible with existing transmission equipment, while the APC attenuators provide superior reflection required for high power and analog equipment.

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