Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for making integrated optical components having strip waveguides (11 to 15; 21 to 2M) and a layer waveguide 53. A mask 4 having a lattice structure 3i functions to generate the layer waveguide 53 via ion exchange. The method of the invention is suitable for making couplers having free spaces with low attenuation and is especially suitable for arrayed waveguide grating multiplexers. The invention also is directed to an integrated optical component made pursuant to the method of the invention.

Abstract: Integrated optical branching arrangement has a monomode waveguide 1 and a Y-branch waveguide 2. The waveguides conjointly define an abutting junction having a lateral offset (d). This is particularly advantageous when curved monomode waveguides are used. The offset is suitable for setting the power distribution ratio. The integrated optical branching arrangement can be applied to ion-exchanged devices in glass and to wavelength multiplexers.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an integrated (2.times.2) optical coupler including input waveguides (21, 22) approaching each other at an angle .PHI. and having different propagation constants and widths (w.sub.1, w.sub.2), minimum web widths S (approximately 4 .mu.m) and output waveguides (23, 24) of the same width w.sub.0. The output waveguides include circular arc segments which connect to the respective input waveguides with abrupt steps. Both directions are the same. Attenuation is avoided where the waveguides come close to each other in the interaction region and arcuate segments in the narrow waveguide 21 are avoided. The optical coupler according to the invention can be used in branching devices and especially in a 2.times.N branching device and in Mach-Zehnder duplexers.