Active optical MMI waveguide device

摘要

This invention discloses an optical waveguide having a hybrid core. A first waveguide (41) having a glass core is coupled to a polymer waveguide (42) disposed adjacent and parallel thereto. The refractive index of the polymer is varied by applying heat to the region. In the absence of applied heat the device acts as an MMI coupler and when heat is applied, the refractive index difference of the glass and the polymer increases yielding a suppressed MMI. By the application of sufficient heat, the refractive index of the polymer can approach the cladding, the device acts as a simple glass waveguide. Other embodiments disclose the application of a voltage to an EO polymer or physically compressing a polymer region to effect a refractive index change within the polymer.