OPTICAL WAVEGUIDE HAVING TWO OR MORE REFRACTIVE INDICES AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SAME

摘要

An optical tapered waveguide for use in optical arrays is described which contains at least one inclusive structure. The inclusion may possess an abrupt refractive index interface within the body of the tapered optical waveguide or it may consist of a graded refractive index region within the tapered optical waveguide. The tapered waveguide propagates light rays via total internal reflection from the sidewalls of a tapered optical waveguide. The different refractive index of the inclusion also acts to alter the direction of the light rays passing through the waveguide. The tapered waveguide is advantageously useful in an array of waveguides for use in display devices, such as for example projection display devices, off screen display devices, and direct view displays. Such displays are used in a wide range of applications including computer terminals, airplane cockpit displays, automotive instrument panels, televisions, and other devices that provide text, grapics, or video information.