Integrated optical circuit having planar waveguide turning mirrors

Abstract

An integrated optical circuit having a turning mirror formed by an end surface of a planar waveguide forms a turning mirror deflector surface. More specifically, the integrated optical circuit includes a planar optical waveguide formed within a cladding layer wherein the planar waveguide has a deflector end surface positioned adjacent to a region, such as a gap. The refractive indices of the planar waveguide and region are in a ratio of no less than approximately 1.3 to provide a desired refractive index discontinuity. This refractive index discontinuity in combination with the positioning of the deflector end surface at an angle relative to an axis extending perpendicular to the direction of the waveguide in the range of 24.degree. and 67.degree. enables an advantageous deflection of an optical signal.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.