Patent ID: 6374016
Filing Date: 2002-04-16
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
A method of compensating for inherent birefringence within a planar waveguide comprising the steps of:providing a planar waveguide comprised of layers affixed to a substrate layer, wherein at least one of (a) an optical property, (b) density,and (c) thermal coefficient of expansion of the substrate differs from that of the planar waveguide layers, the planar waveguide layers being substantially thinner than the substrates layer, the planar waveguide layers having a composite thickness of t1 &mgr;m; and, irradiating the waveguide with at least a beam of light having a width selected to effect a chage in birefringence of the planar waveguide, the change reducing the overall absolute birefringence of the planar waveguide.