Abstract: The invention provides an optic coupler for a fiber optic system, having a single coupler, a first optical, a second optical port, a system port and a detector port. The first optical port responds to and provides a first forward optical signal. The second optical port responds to and provides a second forward optical signal. The single coupler responds to the first forward optical signal and the second forward optical signal, for providing a coupled first and second forward optical signal. The single coupler also responds to a combined first and second reverse optical signal, for providing a coupled first and second reverse optical signal. The system port responds to and provides the coupled first and second forward optical signal to the fiber optic system. The system port also responds to and provides the combined first and second reverse optical signal to the single coupler. The detector port responds to and provides the coupled first and second reverse optical signal to a detector.

Abstract: A compact, tunable, wavelength independent, all-fiber attenuator is produced by heating a single-mode fiber to create at least one taper therein through capillarity rather than through pulling, pushing or twisting the fiber. The attenuator may be tuned to achieve the desired value of attenuation and wavelength independence by imparting a small bend to the taper. The attenuator may be a fixed value attenuator or a variable attenuator. When a fixed value attenuator is desired, the tapered and bent structure is encapsulated in an adhesive and glued onto a substrate.