Abstract: The present invention uses a light-pipe for beam splitting, combining, hybrid space-wavelength multiplexing, hybrid space-wavelength demultiplexing, dense wavelength division multiplexing, and dense wavelength division demultiplexing. A light-pipe has a first end where light enters the light-pipe and a second end where the light exits the light-pipe. The light-pipe is a polygonal rod or a hollow reflective cavity. To perform beam splitting, light enters the first end of the light-pipe and reflects off of the side surfaces inside the light-pipe producing additional light beams. By placing an imaging lens at the output end of the light-pipe, all of the virtual images (n-1) of the additional light beams and the original light entering the light-pipe become the object of the imaging lens. As a result, the light-pipe acts as a 1-to-n splitter.

Abstract: Integrated optical devices are provided wherein a film of polystyrene doped with methyl red (PS-MR) on a glass substrate, is masked, e.g. with one or more metallic strips on a glass plate and such film is irradiated with, e.g. a UV lamp, tuned within the absorption band of such film, in air, to photobleach the film portions around channels covered by the masking strips and reduce the refractive index thereof below that of the unbleached film channels. The bleached film portions then provide reflective beam confining interfaces which define the unbleached channels and form waveguides within the film. The invention takes advantage of photobleaching to change the index of refraction of portions of a thin film to define optical components therein and has located a class of films, including PS-MR, which, upon photobleaching, provide a considerable reduction in refractive index, enabling the definition of optical components in such film.

Abstract: Method for fabricating components for integrated optics are provided wherein a film of polystyrene doped with methyl red (PS-MR) on a glass substrate, is masked, e.g. with one or more metallic strips on a glass plate and such film is irradiated with, e.g. a UV lamp, tuned within the absorption band of such film, in air, to photobleach the film portions around channels covered by the masking strips and reduce the refractive index thereof below that of the unbleached film channels. The bleached film portions then provide reflective beam confining interfaces which define the unbleached channels and form waveguides within the film. The invention also provides for interfering two laser beams of like .lambda., at a coupling spot on the film, which beams are again tuned within the absorption band of such film, which bleach alternate lines or bars of such film to provide a phase grating therein.