Abstract: The invention pertains to an optical switch matrix comprising n input channels, branching means for dividing the input channels up into p branched channels, merging means for merging the p branched channels into m output channels, and optical fibers for connecting the output channels of the branching means with the input channels of the merging means, wherein n, m, and p are natural numbers greater than or equal to 2, and wherein the branching means, the fibers, and the merging means are each attached to a separate substrate or a separate group of substrates. The optical switching matrix according to the invention is very compact and allows efficient use of the materials available for the manufacture thereof.

Abstract: An integrated optic component comprises a substrate (10) carrying a layer (11) of polymeric material which has an aliphatic or aromatic polymer backbone with bonded sidegroups exhibiting hyperpolarizability. The layer (11) shows a refractive index pattern induced by irradiation with wavelengths within the electronic absorption bands of the sidegroups and within the range of about 230 to 650 nm. The component may be poled so as to be an active component and may be in the form of a ridge guide. Typical sidegroups comprise 4'-amino or 4'-oxy substituted 4-nitrostilbene moieties, or 4'-amino substituted 4-cyanostilbene moieties, or N-substituted 1-(4-aminophenyl)-4-(4-nitrophenyl) buta-1,3-diene moieties.

Abstract: In an optically non-linear (NLO) polymeric material a frequency doubling structure composed of alternatingly poled NLO polymer is made. This structure can be made by forming a layer of NLO polymer, effecting poling in it with the use of an electric field, partially removing the layer of NLO polymer by etching, such that in the polymer a grating structure is formed composed of etched grooves and projecting polymer parts, the width of the grooves matching that of the polymer parts, dividing the polymer layer containing the grating structure into at least two sections, and placing the two sections one on top of the other, such that grooves of the one section are back-filled by projecting polymer parts of the other section. To prevent the enclosure of air a filler may be added, preferably in the form of a solution of the NLO polymer.

Abstract: Manufactured is a non-linear optically active (NLO) device, an optical waveguiding structure being formed which comprises at least a layer of an NLO polymer containing hyperpolarizable groups, and the NLO polymer being exposed, with heating, to an electric field for poling of the hyperpolarizable groups, the heating being by contacting the NLO polymer with a thermal energy generating live electric conductor (a resistor wire). Preferably, the live electric conductor also functions as electrode when generating the electric field with which the hyperpolarizable groups are poled. The invention further relates to a device comprising an optical waveguiding structure and electrodes for electro-optically affecting light coupled into the waveguide. The live electric conductor used in the manufacture also functions as an electro-optical effect generating electrode.

Abstract: A frequency doubling structure composed of an alternatingly poled NLO polymer is incorporated into an optically non-linear (NLO) polymeric material. This structure is made by forming a layer of a first NLO polymer, partially removing it by etching after it has been poled with the aid of a first electric field or not, such that a grating structure is formed composed of etched grooves in the polymer, and applying a layer of a second NLO polymer, such that the etched grooves are backfilled, after which the resulting alternating structure of the two NLO polymers is subjected either to a second electric field oppositely directed to the first one, or in the case of poling of the first polymer not yet having taken place, to two oppositely directed electric fields in succession. The second electric field is applied at a temperature which will not affect the poling of one NLO polymer effected by the first electric field.

Abstract: An integrated optic component comprises a substrate (10) carrying a layer (11) of polymeric material which has an aliphatic or aromatic polymer backbone with bonded sidegroups exhibiting hyperpolarizability. The layer (11) shows a refractive index pattern induced by irradiation with wavelengths within the electronic absorption bands of the sidegroups and within the range of about 230 to 650 nm. The component may be poled so as to be an active component and may be in the form of a ridge guide. Typical sidegroups comprise 4'-amino or 4'-oxy substituted 4-nitrostilbene moieties, or 4'-amino substituted 4-cyanostilbene moieties, or N-substituted 1-(4-aminophenyl)-4-(4-nitrophenyl) buta-1, 3-diene moieties.