Optical device and formation of optical waveguide using light-induced effect on refractive index

摘要

There is provided an optical device comprising a refractive index changed region continuously formed in a glass by laser beam irradiation, and a remaining part surrounding said refractive index changed region, which keeps its original refractive index without the affection of said laser beam irradiation, wherein the glass is selected from the group consisting of oxide glass and halide glass. In the optical device an optical wave guide can be formed which is useful for optical communication.