| 摘要 |
PURPOSE:To improve the response of functions and to reduce the size and cost of the whole optical circuit and increase its integration by controlling a switch function and a volume function by using an electric signal. CONSTITUTION:A liquid crystal layer 5 which changes in orientation with an electric signal is put halfway in the waveguide of a core 3, and the quantity of light transmitted through the waveguide is controlled by the change in the orientation of the liquid crystal layer 5. Therefore, the responding speed is much faster than when the quantity of the transmitted light is controlled by a mechanical driving device. Further, the liquid crystal layer 5 is arranged in the optical circuit board 1, so the need to provide a mechanism which controls the quantity of the light propagated in the waveguide outside the optical circuit board 1 separately is eliminated. Consequently, the optical circuit is reduced in size, increased in integration, and reduced in cost. |
