Abstract: In order to manufacture an integrated optical circuit, a first mask is formed on a first region of a substrate and defines the shape of at least one optical device (such as a waveguide). A second mask is formed on a second region of the substrate and corresponds to an optical structure (such as a periodic array structure or photonic crystal) to be formed in a second region of the substrate distinct from the first region. The first mask and the second mask are each made of a material which substantially resists a predetermined etching gas. The second mask may formed, patterned, and etched without adversely affecting the characteristics of the first mask.

Abstract: An active photonic crystal device for controlling an optical signal is disclosed. The device includes a planar photonic crystal with a defect waveguide bounded on the top and bottom by an upper cladding region and a lower cladding region. An optical signal propagating in the defect waveguide is confined in the plane of the photonic crystal by the photonic bandgap, and in the direction normal to the photonic crystal by the upper clad region and the lower clad region. The propagation of the optical signal in the defect waveguide is controlled by varying the optical properties at least one of the upper clad region or the lower clad region. The variation of the optical properties of the controllable regions may be achieved using a thermo-optic effect, an electro-optic effect, a stress-optic effect, or a mechano-optic effect, or by moving a material into or out of the controllable region.

Abstract: An optical device includes a planar substrate (10) on top of which is deposited a layer of waveguide material (402). A waveguide circuit (404) is etched into the waveguide material (402). A cover (426) selectively encapsulates the substrate (10) around the waveguide circuit (404) while leaving space to provide a gap above the waveguide circuit (404). A liquid material (30) having a lower index of refraction than the waveguide material is filled into the gap above the waveguide circuit (404) such that the liquid acts as an overclad for the waveguide circuit (404).

Abstract: Active photonic crystal devices for controlling an optical signal is disclosed. The devices include a planar photonic crystal with a defect waveguide. In one embodiment of the invention, the propagation of the optical signal is controlled by changing a dimension of the planar photonic crystal structure. In another embodiment, the propagation of the optical signal is controlled by inserting rods into the columnar holes of the planar photonic crystal structure. In a third embodiment of the invention, the propagation of the optical signal is controlled by filling the holes of the planar photonic crystal structure with fluid.

Abstract: In order to manufacture an integrated optical circuit, a first mask is formed on a first region of a substrate and defines the shape of at least one optical device (such as a waveguide). A second mask is formed on a second region of the substrate and corresponds to an optical structure (such as a periodic array structure or photonic crystal) to be formed in a second region of the substrate distinct from the first region. The first mask and the second mask are each made of a material which substantially resists a predetermined etching gas. The second mask may formed, patterned, and etched without adversely affecting the characteristics of the first mask.

Abstract: The present invention provides an N×M non-blocking optical switch using a novel switching fabric that utilizes micromirrors to switch light signals in a planar waveguide array. The optical switch uses a commercially available micromechanical actuator to actuate each micromirror. The actuator can also be an inexpensive custom made actuator. The actuator and the waveguide substrate are separate units and there are no electrical connections between them. The switch includes a unique design feature whereby the actuator and the micromirror array do not require precision alignment. The optical switch of the present invention is fabricated at low temperatures and assembled using glue.

Abstract: Active photonic crystal devices for controlling an optical signal is disclosed. The devices include a planar photonic crystal with a defect waveguide. In one embodiment of the invention, the propagation of the optical signal is controlled by changing a dimension of the planar photonic crystal structure. In another embodiment, the propagation of the optical signal is controlled by inserting rods into the columnar holes of the planar photonic crystal structure. In a third embodiment of the invention, the propagation of the optical signal is controlled by filling the holes of the planar photonic crystal structure with fluid.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an optical waveguide device that includes a waveguide and a trench, comprises providing a substrate material that includes a substrate layer, an underclad layer, a core layer, and an overclad layer. A waveguide and trench pattern is simultaneously defined in the substrate material and the substrate material is etched to form a waveguide circuit structure that includes the waveguide and trench pattern.

Abstract: An active photonic crystal device for controlling an optical signal is disclosed. The device includes a planar photonic crystal with a defect waveguide bounded on the top and bottom by an upper cladding region and a lower cladding region. An optical signal propagating in the defect waveguide is confined in the plane of the photonic crystal by the photonic bandgap, and in the direction normal to the photonic crystal by the upper clad region and the lower clad region. The propagation of the optical signal in the defect waveguide is controlled by varying the optical properties at least one of the upper clad region or the lower clad region. The variation of the optical properties of the controllable regions may be achieved using a thermo-optic effect, an electro-optic effect, a stress-optic effect, or a mechano-optic effect, or by moving a material into or out of the controllable region.

Abstract: An optical device includes a planar substrate (10) on top of which is deposited a layer of waveguide material (402). A waveguide circuit (404) is etched into the waveguide material (402). A cover (426) selectively encapsulates the substrate (10) around the waveguide circuit (404) while leaving space to provide a gap above the waveguide circuit (404). A liquid material (30) having a lower index of refraction than the waveguide material is filled into the gap above the waveguide circuit (404) such that the liquid acts as an overclad for the waveguide circuit (404).