Abstract: An optical device includes a planar waveguide having a core region at least partially surrounded by a cladding, wherein the waveguide includes of a photosensitive germanium-doped silicon oxynitride (Ge:SiON) or germanium-doped silicon nitride (Ge:SiN). An optical device is formed by providing a photosensitive layer comprised of Ge:SiON or Ge:SiN and selectively irradiating the photosensitive layer at a wavelength of light to which the photosensitive material is sensitive, such that an optical feature having a refractive index different than that of the non-irradiated photosensitive layer is formed.

Abstract: An optical switch having an input waveguide and two output waveguides separated by and disposed around a trench. The input waveguide and a first output waveguide have respective optical paths defined by their respective cores which are coaxial with each other. Those waveguides are also separated by a trench having a medium provided therein that has a refractive index different from that of the waveguides. The input waveguide and a second output waveguide are arranged generally on the same side of the trench such that an optical signal passing from the input waveguide to the second output waveguide does not completely traverse the trench.

Abstract: An optical phase shifter including a constant phase shift element or a variable phase shift element, each introducing a desired and predetermined phase shift into an optical signal passing through the phase shifter. The phase shifter has coaxial first and second waveguides each with a core defining an optical path, through the first waveguide and having an output facet, and which waveguides are separated from each other by a predetermined distance. The phase shift element is disposed between the waveguides and an actuator is coupled to the phase shift element for causing selective movement of the phase shift element.