Integrated optical devices utilizing magnetostrictively,

Abstract

Integrated optical devices which utilize a magnetostrictively, electrostrictively or photostrictively induced stress to alter the optical properties of one or more waveguides in the device are disclosed. The integrated optical devices consist of at least one pair of optical waveguides preferably fabricated in a cladding material formed on a substrate. A stress applying material, which may be a magnetostrictive, electrostrictive or photostrictive material, is affixed to the upper surface of the cladding material near at least one of the optical waveguides. When the appropriate magnetic, electric or photonic field is applied to the stress applying material, a dimensional change tends to be induced in the stress applying material. The constrained state of the stress applying material, however, caused by its adhesion to the cladding material, causes regions of tensile and compressive stress, as well as any associated strains, to be created in the integrated optical device. By positioning one or more optical waveguides in a region of the device which will be subjected to a tensile or compressive stress, the optical properties of the stressed waveguide may be varied to achieve switching and modulation. Latchable integrated optical devices are achieved by utilizing a controlled induced stress to 'tune' one or more waveguides in an integrated optical device to a desired refractive index or birefringence, which will be retained after the field is removed.