Systems and devices for dynamic processing of optical signals

An optical device, comprising:

• a substrate;
• a first material layer disposed on the substrate;
• first and second waveguides disposed on the first material layer and intersecting each other so as to define a junction having an associated variable index of refraction;
• and
• a second material layer disposed on the first and second waveguides;
• and
• wherein the substrate substantially comprises silicon.

A method for forming an optical device, the method comprising:

• forming a substrate;
• forming a first material layer on the substrate;
• forming first and second waveguides on the first material layer such that the first and second waveguides intersect each other and define a junction;
• and
• forming a second material layer on the first and second waveguides;
• and
• wherein the substrate substantially comprises silicon.

An optical device, comprising:

• substrate;
• first material layer disposed on the substrate;
• first waveguide array disposed on the first material layer;
• second waveguide array disposed on the first material layer so that at least a portion of the second waveguide array intersects at least a portion of the first waveguide array at a predetermined angle, the first and second waveguides collectively defining at least one junction having an associated variable index of refraction;
• and
• a second material layer disposed on the first and second waveguide arrays.