Patent ID: 6353694
Filing Date: 2002-03-05
Classification: G02B,G02F

Abstract:
A multi-mode interference coupler for coupling light between ports, comprising:a first input port for launching light into a core of a substantially planar waveguide of a first material having a first refractive index n1, the substantially planar waveguide having a response that confines the light to a single mode in one dimension, and multi-mode in another dimension; at least two output ports for receiving light launched into and propagating through the core from the input port; a polymer cladding of a second material having a refractive index n2 covering at least a portion of the core; and, a heater thermally coupled to said cladding for heating the cladding in dependence upon a control signal, to vary at least one of a) the amount of light received at the at least two output ports and, b) the ratio of light distributed between the output ports, wherein at least one of the first material and the second material is a polymer.