Abstract

Two dimensional integrated optical circuits have been demonstrated with considerable complexity and size. For example, 19x19 integrated star couplers¹ have shown the large-scale routing capabilities of optical waveguides. As the two dimensional area and complexity of these circuits increases, problems can arise, for example, if the signals require similar optical time delays. The vertical integration of optical devices into a three dimensional structure can offer a significant increase in the integration density without increasing the time delays or the integration area. In 3-D integrated optics, one envisions several layers of 2-D integrated optics with the various layers coupled together vertically at appropriate locations by vertical waveguide bends, vertical waveguide power splitters, or vertical voltage controlled switches.

© 1997 Optical Society of America