In one embodiment, a variable optical attenuator includes a core configured to propagate optical data signals and a cladding surrounding at least part of the core and comprising a first cladding portion and a second cladding portion. An attenuating spacer between the first cladding portion and the second cladding portion is formed from a smart material. The smart material is configured to apply a force to at least one of the first cladding portion and the second cladding portion in response to an external stimulus. The smart material may be a piezoelectric material and the external stimulus may be an electrical current.