Patent ID: 7454091
Filing Date: 2008-11-18
Classification: G02F

Abstract:
1. An integrated optical network, comprising: an array of optical waveguides having respective output ends defining an array of radiating elements, the waveguides being able to receive respective optical input signals and output the optical signals, the array configured so that the optical signals interfere with each other to form an optical beam; actuator means to introduce in the array of waveguides relative phase differences between the optical signals in order to deflect the optical beam formed, wherein the actuator means include at least one actuator track comprising a plurality of track sections substantially aligned with respective optical guides, the sections being fed by a common control signal to locally modify refractive indexes of the respective optical guides in order to introduce the phase differences; and wherein the array includes optical guides having substantially the same length and the same refractive indexes or, alternatively, defining the same optical path for an optical signal which passes through the optical guide.