Abstract: A method of mode selective coupling or mode multiplexing between integrated multimode (600) and single mode (602) waveguides. Evanescent coupling and tapering is used so that the signal may be transferred adiabatically from a first region of a first waveguide to a second, proximal, region of a second waveguide.

Abstract: An optical switching device for switching M input signals into N output signals, wherein M and N are each equal to or greater than one, including a mode division multiplexer to join the M input signals into a first multi-mode signal having M initial modes, a mode converter to convert the first multi-mode signal into a second multi-mode signal having N converted modes, and a mode division demultiplexer to separate the second multi-mode signal into the N output signals, wherein the converter is able to be controllably activated such that the N converted modes are separated by the demultiplexer to the N output signals according to a desired scheme.

Abstract: A mode conversion apparatus including a dynamic waveguide section associated with a plurality of control elements that, when activated, are able to produce a periodic refractive-index perturbation pattern in the dynamic waveguide section, wherein the periodic refractive-index perturbation pattern is able to convert at least a fraction of an input signal from a first guided mode of the dynamic waveguide section into a second guided mode of the dynamic waveguide section.

Abstract: A configuration detects optical signals in at least one optical channel in a planar light circuit. The planar light circuit contains a trench that respectively interrupts or terminates one optical channel. The trench respectively contains a detection unit detecting the optical signals in the respective optical channel. An attenuator apparatus includes an attenuator unit, a multiplicity of optical principal channels, and a configuration described above for detecting the optical signals in said monitor channels. A method for manufacturing the configuration includes the following steps: providing a support submount; mounting a detection unit on the support submount; providing a planar light circuit with an optical channel; interrupting the optical channel by forming a trench in the planar light circuit; disposing the support submount on the planar light circuit using flip-chip mounting; and inserting a detection unit into the trench.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermo-optical waveguide switch which is located on a substrate. Said switch comprises a glass layer, through which a waveguide extends. A hollow chamber which lies beneath the waveguide thermally decouples the latter from the substrate. At least two supports are located in the hollow chamber to provide mechanical stability. One production method for obtaining a thermo-optical waveguide switch consists of creating a glass layer with an arrangement of perforations on a substrate. At least one hollow chamber containing at least two supports is formed by isotropically underetching the glass layer. The hollow chamber is subsequently sealed and a waveguide is formed above said hollow chamber. Another production method first creates a waveguide in a glass layer which is formed on a substrate.