Optical interferometer device

An optical device, comprising:

• a first path operable to receive and impart a first phase shift to an optical signal;
• and
• a second path adjacent to the first path, having a first portion with a first index of refraction, having a second portion with a second index of refraction that is different from the first index of refraction, and operable to receive and impart a second phase shift to the optical signal, the second phase shift differing from the first phase shift by a predetermined amount.

An integrated circuit, comprising:

• a first path operable to receive and impart a first phase shift to an optical signal;
• and
• a second path adjacent to the first path, having a first portion with a first index of refraction, having a second portion with a second index of refraction that is different from the first index of refraction, and operable to receive and impart a second phase shift to the optical signal, the second phase shift differing from the first phase shift by a predetermined amount.

A method, comprising;

• imparting a first phase shift to an optical signal as it propagates through a first path;
• and
• imparting a second phase shift to the optical signal as it propagates through a second path that is adjacent to the first path, the second path including a first layer having a first index of refraction and including a second layer disposed on the first layer and having a second index of refraction that is higher than the first index of refraction.

A method, comprising:

• forming a first path operable to impart a first phase shift to an optical signal;
• and
• forming a second path adjacent to the first path, having a first portion with a first index of refraction, having a second portion with a second index of refraction that is different from the first index of refraction, and operable to impart to the optical signal a second phase shift that differs from the first phase shift by a predetermined amount.