The Arcoptix electrical adjustable variable attenuator is a worldwide unique liquid crystal device that permits to control precisely the attenuation of a free space traveling beam with a simple applied voltage. The variable gray filter functions for polychromatic or monochromatic light as well as for unpolarized or polarized white light. It does not significantly alter the spectrum of the incident light and functions almost equally for wavelengths between 350nm and 700nm. The Arcoptix variable attenuator can so be considered as an ideal variable gay filter in the visible. Notice that this is not the case for usual liquid crystal attenuators that are designed to attenuate efficiently only a single wavelength! Also in the off state the Arcoptix attenuator shows a higher transmission (for unpolarized light) than usual attenuators and it does not alter significantely the polarization state of the light (polarization maintaining element).
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| White light transmission of the variable attenuator WA65 for decreasing applied bias. | |||
The Arcoptix variable attenuator has the unique property to be adjusted in milliseconds with a simple square wave bias between 0 and 10V and can so be easily computer controlled via the arcoptix LC driver (with external voltage control). No need to change filters mechanically or to rotate a filter wheel. This device is ideal for application where the intensity needs to be dynamically and continuously controlled.
| • Voltage adjustable in milliseconds | • polarization independent and polarization maintaining |
| • Attenuation is nearly wavelength independent in the visible (gray filter). |
• Aperture up to 40 mm |
| • Attenuation from 0.2 to 10 -3 | • No moving part |
| • Computer addressable | • Compact |
Ask for a quotation or for more information: info@arcoptix.com
Specs
For an attenuator with a 10mm aperture the specs are given by the table below. For a more detailed information (calibration curves, transmission curves,...) please download the PDF file.
Useable aperture
10 mm
Transmission for
Model VA200
Model VA65
From 0.1 to 10-4 (at 633nm)
From 0.5 to 1.5 ·10-2 (at 633nm)
Transmission uniformity
Better than 0.3%
Voltage range
0-20 V (square wave)
Wavelength range
350-700 nm (optimal performances between 400 and 650nm
Temperature range
10°-50° C
Cell size
27x27x5 mm
Total size with housing
40x55x8 mm
Transmission curves for different applied voltages (Model VA65)
DOWNLOAD description of the variable attenuator
For an attenuator with a 10mm aperture the specs are given by the table below. For a more detailed information (calibration curves, transmission curves,...) please download the PDF file.
| Useable aperture | 10 mm |
| Transmission for Model VA200 Model VA65 |
From 0.1 to 10-4 (at 633nm) From 0.5 to 1.5 ·10-2 (at 633nm) |
| Transmission uniformity | Better than 0.3% |
| Voltage range | 0-20 V (square wave) |
| Wavelength range | 350-700 nm (optimal performances between 400 and 650nm |
| Temperature range | 10°-50° C |
| Cell size | 27x27x5 mm |
| Total size with housing | 40x55x8 mm |
Transmission curves for different applied voltages (Model VA65)
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DOWNLOAD description of the variable attenuator |