Patent ID: 6542671
Filing Date: 2003-04-01
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
A three-dimensional integrated optical network comprising:a substrate having a top surface; a lower waveguide layer, formed above the substrate, containing optical waveguides in a lower plane substantially parallel to the top surface; a deflecting bump, formed above the substrate and formed in the lower plane of the lower waveguide layer, the deflecting bump formed before the lower waveguide layer is formed, the lower waveguide layer bending upward over the deflecting bump; a filter, formed over the deflecting bump, the filter receiving incident light from the lower waveguide layer that is deflected upward out of the lower plane by the deflecting bump, the filter reflecting a reflected portion of the incident light back down to the deflecting bump which bends the reflected portion back into a waveguide in the lower plane of the lower waveguide layer; and an upper waveguide layer containing optical waveguides in an upper plane that is above and substantially parallel to the lower plane and the top surface; wherein the filter transmits a transmitted portion of the incident light, the transmitted portion of light being transmitted upward through the filter and bent into the upper plane by a waveguide from the upper waveguide layer that contacts the filter, whereby the filter receives light deflected upward from the lower waveguide layer by the deflecting bump, the filter transmitting light upward to the upper waveguide layer and reflecting light back downward to the lower waveguide layer.