Abstract: An electro-optical switch implemented in coupled photonic crystal waveguides is disclosed. The switch is proposed and analyzed using both a finite-difference time-domain (“FDTD”) method and a plane wave expansion (“PWM) method. The switch may be implemented in a square lattice of silicon posts in air, as well as in a hexagonal lattice of air holes in a silicon slab. Switching occurs due to a change in the conductance in the coupling region between the photonic crystal waveguides, which modulates the coupling coefficient and eventually causes switching. Conductance may be induced electrically by carrier injection or optically by electron-hole pair generation. The electro-optical switch has low insertion loss and optical crosstalk in both the cross and bar switching states.

Abstract: An electro-optic modulator having a substrate, one or more optical waveguides, at least one active electrode formed on the substrate and aligned over the optical waveguide, the active electrode operating to induce a refractive index change in the optical waveguide. The active electrode has a lower surface arranged facing the substrate, an upper surface arranged away from the substrate, substantially planar side walls, and rounded corners between the side walls and the lower surface of the active electrode. The electrode can be a bridge electrode, with two lower portions and an upper portion connected to the lower portions, the lower portions spaced apart from each other, each of the two lower portions of the active electrode extending over one of the optical waveguides. Each of the lower portions has rounded convex corners. The upper surface of the electrode can also have rounded corners or a completely rounded upper surface.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for etching a solid state material to create a surface relief pattern. A resist layer is formed on the surface of the solid state material. The photoresist layer is holographically patterned to form a patterned mask. The pattern is then transferred into the solid state material by a dry etching process. The invention is especially useful for forming optical nanostructures. In preferred embodiments, a direct write process, such as ebeam lithography, is used to define defects and functional elements, such as waveguides and cavities.

Abstract: Optical generation and modulation is carried out in the optical domain and converted to, for example, the THz band using suitable optical/electrical conversion hardware. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, an electrooptic modulator is significantly overdriven to create sidebands on an optical carrier signal. An arrayed waveguide grating or other suitable filter is then used to filter the optical signal and remove the carrier signal and unwanted sidebands. The desired sidebands are then combined to create an optical signal that can be encoded with data through suitable modulation. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method is provided for visual inspection of an array of interferometric modulators in various driven states. This method may include driving multiple columns or rows of interferometric modulators via a single test pad or test lead, and then observing the array for discrepancies between the expected optical output and the actual optical output of the array. This method may particularly include, for example, driving a set of non-adjacent rows or columns to a state different from the intervening rows or columns, and then observing the optical output of the array.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a diffractive waveguide-spatial optical modulator. The diffractive waveguide-spatial optical modulator includes a substrate member, a plurality of reflecting members, and an actuation means. The reflecting members are each formed in a plate shape, are arranged on the substrate member at regular intervals to form a grating array, are configured to form openings therebetween, and are provided with reflecting surfaces formed on the opposite vertical surfaces of the reflecting members and the bottoms of the openings. The actuation means varies the interval between the reflecting members by actuating the reflecting members. The openings between the reflecting members act as wave guides when light is incident on the open sides thereof, and shift the phase of the incident light and then reflect the incident light, so that the reflected light can form diffracted light, when the interval is varied by the reflecting members.

Abstract: An optical modulator comprising; an optical waveguide in which input light propagates; a signal electrode having an end portion in which signal microwave is input and having an interaction area in which the signal microwave interacts with the light propagating in the optical waveguide; and, a ground electrode forming a coaxial structure with the signal electrode, wherein, width of the end portion is greater than width of the interaction area and thickness of the end portion is less than thickness of the interaction area. Also disclosed is an optical modulator, further comprising a substrate having an electro-optic effect; and, a buffer layer on the substrate, wherein, the signal electrode and ground electrode are formed on the buffer layer, and thickness of the buffer layer near the end portion of the signal electrode is greater than thickness of the buffer layer near the interaction area.

Abstract: A waveguide has upper and lower cladding regions. A core of the waveguide made of a non-linear optical polymer is positioned between the upper and lower cladding regions. A first electrode is connected to the upper cladding region and a second electrode is connected to the lower cladding region. The upper cladding region and the lower cladding region are made of photonic band gap materials and have multiple periods of cladding layers with each period having a first layer having a linear refractive index of n1 and each period having a second layer having a linear refractive index of n2. The waveguide allows for minimal distances to exist between the electrodes while allowing for virtual lossless cm-long transmission of propagating light. By applying a voltage to the electrodes, the propagated light can be modulated.

Abstract: An optical modulator using a thin plate including a portion having 20 ?m or less thickness, capable of selecting a specific polarized wave from a light wave which propagates in an optical waveguide in the modulator without reduced productivity. The modulator includes an X-cut or Y-cut thin plate of a material having an electrooptic effect; an optical waveguide formed in a top or bottom surface of the plate; and a control electrode on the top surface of the plate to modulate light which propagates in the waveguide. An attenuating means which absorbs light having a specific polarization plane of a light wave which propagates in the waveguide is disposed in the vicinity of the waveguide. The attenuating means includes light absorbing members disposed at a gap L which is 0.5 to 2 times the mode-field diameter of the light wave which propagates in the waveguide with the waveguide interposed therebetween.

Abstract: This invention provides an optical transmitter module and an optical module using an EA modulator capable of realizing stable ACER regardless of operating temperature without using a control mechanism for maintaining temperature of the EA modulator constant. In the EA modulator, optical waveguides formed of a multi-layered film are formed on a substrate, an electrical signal is applied to the optical waveguides in a direction vertical to the substrate, and the input light absorption amount is changed to control the amount of output light. Also, a plurality of p-side electrodes electrically separated from each other for applying an electrical signal to the active layer optical waveguides are arranged on optical axes of active layer optical waveguides. The length of optical waveguides to which the electrical signal is applied is changed by controlling the number of p-side electrodes to which the electrical signal is applied in accordance with temperature.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) to optical converter for RF imaging, wherein the converter comprises an array of RF antenna pixels adapted to receive RF signals, wherein the RF antenna pixels are adapted to facilitate RF resonance of the received RF signals; a photonic band gap (PBG) layer connected to the array of RF antenna pixels, the PBG layer comprising at least two materials, arranged in a photonic crystal (PC), wherein at least one of the materials comprises an electro-optic (EO) material, wherein the EO material is adapted to use the RF resonant signals to produce changes in optical properties of the EO material, and wherein the PC is adapted to use changes in optical properties of the EO material to produce enhanced changes in optical properties of the PBG layer; and an RF ground plane connected to the PBG layer.

Abstract: An optical structure includes a substrate, a circular grating resonator (CGR) formed on the substrate, the CGR including a center disc and a plurality of concentric rings spaced from one another; an input planar waveguide and an output planar waveguide each formed on the substrate, the input planar waveguide and the output planar waveguide optically coupled to the CGR; and an electrode pair, formed on the substrate, coplanar with the input and output planar waveguides, the electrode pair comprising an electrically conductive material in contact with opposing ends of the center disc of the CGR so as to render the CGR capable of electro-optical control.

Abstract: Systems and methods for steering at least one of two or more optical input beams and forming a combined optical output beam are disclosed. A system has a waveguide, one or more phase controlling devices and one or more beam steering devices. The waveguide is configured to combine the optical input beams. The one or more phase controlling devices are configured to control a phase of at least one of the optical input beams. The system can form a coherently combined optical output beam. The one or more beam steering devices are configured to laterally steer, angularly steer, or laterally and angularly steer at least one of the optical input beams. The waveguide, in conjunction with the one or more beam steering devices, is configured to form the combined optical output beam that is angularly steered, laterally steered, or angularly and laterally steered.

Abstract: A method for creating an integrated linear polarizer is provided. An electro-optical component is fabricated and may include a bottom electrode, a bottom cladding layer, side cladding features, an electro-optic polymer layer, a top cladding layer, and a top electrode. After fabrication, the electro-optical component is poled to create or enhance polarization properties of the electro-optic polymer layer. The electro-optical component may be heated to at least a first threshold temperature. An electric field may then be applied to the electro-optical component. In the presence of the electric field, the electro-optical component may be cooled to at or below a second threshold temperature that is less than the first threshold temperature. Once the electro-optical component has cooled to the second threshold temperature, the electric field may be removed.

Abstract: An optical switching element comprising: a multimode waveguide having an electro-optical effect; one or a plurality of first single mode waveguides; a plurality of second single mode waveguides; a first electrode arranged in the vicinity of one edge on one side of the multimode waveguide; a second electrode arranged in the vicinity of the other edge on the same side of the multimode waveguide; and a third electrode arranged on the other side of the multimode waveguide, over the first electrode and the second electrode being arranged so as to be positioned on bright spots formed by multimode interference in an optical mode field generated by the light propagating through the multimode waveguide, and an optical path being switched between the first single mode waveguide and the second single mode waveguide by applying voltage between the first electrode and the third electrode and between the second electrode and the third electrode, is provided.

Abstract: Invention discloses an apparatus that provides linear optical modulation of light carrier signals by an electrical modulation signal. Linearized modulation is achieved through the selection of a spacing profile between two optical transmission waveguides. The spacing profile relates to a transfer function, the parameters of which are chosen to yield linear modulation within a particular dynamic range. A preferred embodiment discloses the invention being fabricated within a monolithic structure.

Abstract: In an optical modulator of the invention, a signal electrode and a ground electrode are formed along a pair of branching waveguides of a Mach-Zehnder type optical waveguide, and a first region positioned on an input side of an interaction section of light and an electric signal is made a forward modulation section, and a second region positioned on an output side is made an inverse modulation section, and a spacing or the like of the signal electrode and the ground electrode is optimized so that that a loss produced in the second region is relatively greater than a loss produced in the first region, with respect to a high frequency component of an electric signal propagated through the signal electrode. As a result a wider modulation bandwidth can be realized.

Abstract: A modulator including a waveguide propagating an electromagnetic wave of given wavelength (?) with absorption. Means such as an electrical junction enable the residence time of the electromagnetic wave in the guide to be modified. A corresponding modulation method is also provided.

Abstract: An optical modulator of the Mach-Zehnder type including electrodes disposed above a substrate having a pair of linear portions of an optical waveguide includes a signal electrode to which modulating signals are applied; first and second earth electrodes; and a bias electrode to which a bias signal for controlling an operating point of the modulating signals is applied. The earth electrodes are disposed at either side of the signal electrode disposed above one of the linear portion, and the first earth electrode is disposed above the other linear portion. The bias electrode is disposed adjacent to the first earth electrode on a side opposite to the signal electrode. The bias electrode is disposed on a surface of the substrate, and a buffer layer is formed on the bias electrode. The first earth electrode has a ladder shape having the bias electrode interposed between the two long portions of the ladder.

Abstract: A method for controlling an optoelectronic component that includes two waveguides. The refractive index of the first waveguide is changed periodically with a first control signal, the amplitude of which is changed between a first amplitude level and higher second amplitude level. The refractive index of the second waveguide is changed periodically with a second control signal, the amplitude of which is changed between the aforementioned first amplitude level and a lower third amplitude level. When the control signals are on their common first amplitude level, the refractive indices of the waveguides are equal and the phase difference between them is zero. When the first control signal is on the second amplitude level and the second control signal on the third amplitude level, the refractive indices of the waveguides are unequal so that their mutual phase difference has a predetermined target value.

Abstract: An optical fibre switch (10) includes an optical fibre conduit (12). A transducer (16) is carried on the conduit (12), the transducer (16) converting input energy of one form into mechanical energy so that the application of an external stimulus causes a change in condition of the transducer (16) which imparts that change in condition to the conduit (12). An input energy applying arrangement (20) is arranged on the transducer (16) for applying the external stimulus.

Abstract: It is provided an optical waveguide device in which the radius of curvature of a curved part of an optical waveguide can be lowered and the radiation loss of light in the curved part can be reduced. An optical waveguide device 2 has a ferroelectric optical waveguide substrate and an optical waveguide 5 formed in or on the substrate and modulating electrodes 4A, 4B and 4C. The thickness of the optical waveguide substrate is 30 ?m or smaller at least in a region where the optical waveguide is formed. The optical waveguide has curved part having a radius of curvature of 30 mm or smaller.

Abstract: A tunable dispersion compensator in which a heater portion can be easily constructed to reduce cost. A tunable dispersion compensator includes: an optical fiber having a grating portion; a heating unit for heating the grating portion to apply a temperature distribution to the grating portion; and a control unit for controlling the temperature distribution applied by the heating unit to control the group delay time characteristic of the grating portion. The heating unit includes: a heater including a single conductor having electrical resistors and which extends in a longitudinal direction of the grating portion over at least the entire length of the grating portion; and wirings electrically connected with the heater in respective positions along the longitudinal direction. The control unit supplies a voltage to each of the wirings.

Abstract: The present photonic RF generation and distribution system provides a system and method for distributing an RF output signal. The photonic RF distribution system includes two optical sources for generating optical signals. A first optical source (42) is operable to generate a first optical signal having an operating frequency. A second optical source (44) is operable to generate a second optical signal having an operating frequency. A modulator (46) is operable to impress an RF modulation signal on a tapped portion of the first optical signal such that a modulated signal is generated. A first coupler (52) combines the modulated signal with a tapped portion of the second optical signal, thereby forming a combined signal having a difference frequency component. A control photodetector (50) is responsive to the combined signal to generate a tone signal.

Abstract: An optically coupled resonant pressure sensor includes a deformable diaphragm and an optically coupled resonator fixedly attached to the deformable diaphragm. The resonator includes a resonator body and a laterally offset photodiode adjacent to the resonator body. The resonator is driven by an electric field generated between the laterally offset photodiode and the resonator body when an incident light strikes the photodiode. Pressure applied to one side of the deformable diaphragm causes a shift in a resonant frequency of the resonator. Also disclosed are a method and system for determining pressure.

Abstract: Waveguide devices and schemes for fabricating waveguide devices useful in applications requiring modulation, attenuation, polarization control, and switching of optical signals are provided. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a method of fabricating an integrated optical device is provided.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical systems device fabricated on a pre-patterned substrate having grooves formed therein. A lower electrode is deposited over the substrate and separated by an orthogonal upper electrode by a cavity. The upper electrode is configured to be movable to modulate reflected light. A semi-reflective layer and a transparent material are formed over the movable upper electrode.

Abstract: An opto-electronic modulator includes a Mach-Zehnder structure that comprises p+in+-diodes in both arms of the Mach-Zehnder structure. The Mach-Zehnder structure is formed by waveguides so as to confine an optical mode in the opto-electronic modulator.

Abstract: An optical bus interconnects two or more processors in a multiprocessor system. One or more electrical-to-optical (“E-O”) transmitters are optically coupled to the optical bus using optical couplers. The E-O transmitters receive electrical signals from the processors and convert the electrical signals to optical signals to be guided onto the optical bus. Optical-to-electrical (“O-E”) receivers are also coupled to the optical bus using the optical couplers. The O-E receivers receive optical signals from the optical bus and convert the optical signals to electrical signals for the processors.

Abstract: An electro-optic modulator is formed from all flexible materials, to form a flexible electro-optic modulator. The formation process uses a photoresist which selectively adheres to one material more than it adheres to another material. This allows selective liftoff, where only parts of the substrate are lifted off. For example, this allows silicon ends on the modulator, thereby facilitating pig tailing and also facilitates handling. Another aspect describes testing the bending radius.

Abstract: A variety of structures, methods, systems, and configurations can support plasmons for logic.

Abstract: A waveguide and resonator are formed on a lower cladding of a thermo optic device, each having a formation height that is substantially equal. Thereafter, the formation height of the waveguide is attenuated. In this manner, the aspect ratio as between the waveguide and resonator in an area where the waveguide and resonator front or face one another decreases (in comparison to the prior art) thereby restoring the synchronicity between the waveguide and the grating and allowing higher bandwidth configurations to be used. The waveguide attenuation is achieved by photomasking and etching the waveguide after the resonator and waveguide are formed. In one embodiment the photomasking and etching is performed after deposition of the upper cladding. In another, it is performed before the deposition. Thermo optic devices, thermo optic packages and fiber optic systems having these waveguides are also taught.

Abstract: A method of filtering optical signals (300) utilizing an optical fiber (100A-100D). The method of filtering optical signals (300) includes the steps (304) selecting an optical fiber (100A-100D) coupled to a source of optical signals, (308) disposing a core (102) in the bore (103) of the optical fiber (100A-100D) formed of a core material (105), (308) selecting a core material (105) to provide a waveguide within the optical fiber (100A-100D), (310) disposing an optical grating (114-1) in a first optical cladding layer (104) disposed about the core (102), (312) propagating an optical signal within the optical fiber (100A-100D) guided substantially within the core (102), (314) modifying a propagation path of selected wavelengths comprising said optical signal with the optical grating (114-1), and (316) determining selected wavelengths for which the propagation path is modified by selectively varying an energetic stimulus to the core (102) thereby tuning the waveguide.

Abstract: An optical fiber (100A-100D) is provided with a cylindrical core (102) and a first optical cladding layer (104). The core (102) is formed of a core material (105) that is optically transmissive. The core material (105) has a core index of refraction that is continuously variable over a predetermined range of values responsive to a first energetic stimulus, such as thermal energy, photonic energy, magnetic field, and an electrical potential. The core (102) includes a bore (103) axially disposed within the first optical cladding layer (104). The bore (103) is filled with the core material (105). The first optical cladding layer (104) is disposed on the core (102). The first optical cladding layer (104) is formed of a photosensitive material. The photosensitive material has a first cladding layer index of refraction that is permanently selectively configurable responsive to an exposure to a second energetic stimulus. The first optical cladding layer (104) has gratings (114-1, 114-2) inscribed therein.

Abstract: An integrated optical device is disclosed comprising a substrate, optical waveguide, and compound optical resonator having a temperature sensor, at least two coupled optical resonators, and a heater localized to each optical resonator. An optical input signal is coupled to one of the resonators making up the compound resonator to form an optical output signal. The center wavelength and shape of the output signal is optimized with a feedback loop using the temperature sensor to control the power dissipated in at least one of the localized heaters. The power dissipated in the remaining resonator heaters is set according to a predetermined function having as an input variable the power dissipated in the resonant heater under control of the said feedback loop.

Abstract: Optical arrangement comprising two parallel plates each with a through-hole forming an optical input/output with a given optical axis and one at least partly optical component placed between the plates, the component and the first plate comprising first fastening studs placed transversely in opposite relationship of the plate and connected by first bumps made of a meltable material that when molten is able to selectively wet these first fastening studs in order to optically align the component and the input/output on the first plate, and the two plates comprising second fastening studs placed transversely in opposite relationship of the plate and connected by second bumps made of a meltable material that when molten is able to selectively wet the second fastening studs in order to optically align the inputs/outputs of the two plates.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the use of III-nitride wide bandgap semiconductor materials for optical communications. In one embodiment, an optical device includes an optical waveguide device fabricated using a III-nitride semiconductor material. The III-nitride semiconductor material provides for an electrically controllable refractive index. The optical waveguide device provides for high speed optical communications in an infrared wavelength region. In one embodiment, an optical amplifier is provided using optical coatings at the facet ends of a waveguide formed of erbium-doped III-nitride semiconductor materials.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a method of testing humidity, comprising: determining a property of a device which encloses a plurality of interferometric modulators; and determining a relative humidity value or a degree of the relative humidity inside the device based at least in part upon the determined property. In one embodiment, the property of the device includes one of the following: i) a weight of the device, ii) a color change of a desiccant enclosed in the device, iii) a resistance inside the device, iv) whether frost formed in an inside area of the device which is contacted by a cold finger device, v) whether a desiccant enclosed in the device, when water vapor is provided into the device, is working properly, and vi) combination of at lest two of i)-v).

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a passive element including one or more first waveguides and one or more second waveguides. The apparatus also includes an active element integrated into the passive element. The active element includes one or more third waveguides that actively guide light from the first waveguides to the second waveguides. The third waveguides include polarization-independent electro-optical (EO) thin film.

Abstract: An integrated optoelectronic device includes optical waveguide elements containing InGaAlAs as a principal component, formed on an InP substrate and connected in an end-to-end fashion by butt jointing. An InGaAsP layer is formed on the InP substrate to suppress the mass transport of InP during the fabrication of the integrated optoelectronic device. The InGaAsP layer is formed before the InP substrate is heated at a crystal growth temperature on the order of 700° C. to form the InGaAlAs optical waveguide element.

Abstract: An optical switch, an optical modulator, and a wavelength variable filter each have a simple configuration, which requires only a low driving voltage, which is independent of polarization, and which can operate at high speed. An optical switch includes a 3-dB coupler placed on an output, a 3-dB coupler placed on an output, and two optical waveguides connecting the input-side 3-dB coupler and the output-side 3-dB coupler together. The optical switch also includes a phase modulating section that applies electric fields to one or both of the two optical waveguides. At least two optical waveguides are a crystal material including KTaxNb1-xO3 (0<x<1) and KxLi1-xTayNb1-yO3 (0<x<1, 0<y<1), or KTaxNb1-xO3 or KxLi1-xTayNb1-yO3.

Abstract: When in an optical signal amplifying triode 10, light of a second wavelength ?2, selected from among light from a first optical amplifier 26, into which a first input light L1 of a first wavelength ?1 and a second input light L2 of second wavelength ?2 have been input, and a third input light (control light) L3 of a third wavelength ?3 are input into a second optical amplifier 34, an output light L4 of the third wavelength ?3, selected from among the light output from the second optical amplifier 34, is light that is modulated in response to the intensity variation of one or both of the first input light L1 of the first wavelength ?1 and the third input light L3 of the third wavelength ?3 and is an amplified signal, with which the signal gain with respect to the third input light (control light) L3 of the third wavelength ?3 is of a magnitude of 2 or more. An optical signal amplifying triode 10, which can directly perform an optical signal amplification process using control input light, can thus be provided.

Abstract: An optical switch, an optical modulator, and a wavelength variable filter each have a simple configuration, which requires only a low driving voltage, which is independent of polarization, and which can operate at high speed. An optical switch includes a 3-dB coupler placed on an output, a 3-dB coupler placed on an output, and two optical waveguides connecting the input-side 3-dB coupler and the output-side 3-dB coupler together. The optical switch also includes a phase modulating section that applies electric fields to one or both of the two optical waveguides. At least two optical waveguides are a crystal material including KTaxNb1-xO3 (0<x<1) and KxLi1-xTayNb1-yO3 (0<x<1, 0<y<1), or KTaxNb1-xO3 or KxLi1-xTayNb1-yO3.

Abstract: An optical modulator includes a signal electrode for application of modulation signals whereby light propagated over an optical waveguide is modulated, and bias electrodes for application of a bias voltage for controlling an operating point for the modulation signals. A buffer layer is provided between a substrate exhibiting electro-optical effect and the bias electrodes, but at regions where no optical waveguide is formed beneath the bias electrodes, no buffer layer is provided, and the bias electrodes are provided directly upon the substrate. This configuration enables bias voltage to be reduced.

Abstract: An optical switch in which the adverse effect of heating can be restrained is realized.

Abstract: A polarization controller includes a plurality of liquid crystal cells positioned as cladding on a waveguide that propagates a beam of light so that the evanescent field extends into the liquid crystal cells, and a ½-wave birefringent retarder for rotating the eigenstates of polarization between the liquid crystal cells. For fast response, the evanescent field preferably extends only into the surface effect region of the liquid crystal cells, where directors in the liquid crystal respond faster to changes in voltages applied across the liquid crystal cells.

Abstract: An electro-optical apparatus includes: a first substrate; a plurality of pixels each having an aperture on one surface of the first substrate; a microlens substrate arranged on the side of the other side of the first substrate opposing the one surface and having lens surfaces of microlenses in the respective apertures on the surface thereof; and an adhesive layer filled in the lens surfaces for bonding the microlens substrate and the first substrate to each other.

Abstract: An optical device includes at least two photonic bandgap crystal (PBG) stacks that are each comprised of alternating layers of high and low index materials. A defect region is formed in a cavity region between the at least two photonic bandgap crystal stacks so as to provide the properties needed to reflect light received by the optical device.

Abstract: A wavelength selective switch device is disclosed that includes an elongated signal communication path extending from a first end of the device to a second end of the device. The signal communication path extends through a plurality of regions of varying indices of refraction, and the plurality of regions includes adjustable regions that are each coupled to an adjustable voltage source for changing a voltage potential across each of the adjustable regions such that the index of refraction of said adjustable regions may be changed by changing the voltage potential across each adjustable region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical switch apparatus made to successively carry out the route switching with respect to frame signal light inputted through various paths while eliminating the dispersion of an output power value. In the optical switch apparatus, input side deflecting units are disposed in corresponding relation to a plurality of input ports and output side deflecting units are disposed in corresponding relation to a plurality of output ports. Each input side deflecting unit and each output side deflecting unit are constructed in a manner such that a plurality of optical deflecting elements made to deflect signal light in response to an electric field applied are arranged in a cascade fashion, and the optical deflecting element constituting the input side deflecting unit or the output side deflecting unit is made so as to variably adjust the level of signal light to be outputted from the output side deflecting unit to the output port.