An electrochromic variable optical attenuator (ECVOA)

New electronically controlled infrared variable optical attenuators based on thin film electrochromic technology are presented. Initial ECVOA prototypes have up to 15 dB attenuation range, 0.5 dB insertion loss, and a switching rate of 5 dB/sec. These devices are broadband, continuously variable, compact and polarization insensitive.