JPS5797516A - Optical switch - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To perform optical path switching securely with low power consumption by forming two crossing waveguides on a substrate of an optical crystal body, etc., by diffusing metal in belts and by providing electrodes for the waveguide switching outside of them. CONSTITUTION:On an about 1mm. thickness substrate 8 made of an optical crystal body or semiconductor, metal such as titanium is vapor-deposited in belts and then diffused by a heat treatment to form two crossing waveguides of parts 2 and 3, and 1 and 4. The intersection angle of the intersection part 5 of those two waveguides, and the width, thickness, etc., of each waveguide are set properly to guide light to a prescribed waveguide by bending the light. Switching electrodes 6 and 7 are provided outside of and in contact with the intersection part 5. The shape of the electrodes are determined adequately to switch light from the waveguide 1 to the waveguide 3 over to the waveguide 4 or light from the waveguide 2 to the waveguide 4 over to the waveguide 3. Thus, a mechanical drive part is eliminated to achieve secure optical path switching with low power consumption.