Abstract:
Waveguides for use with guided elastic waves and guided optical waves wherein the lateral leakage rate of the waveguides is very small. The decreased leakage rate is effected by longitudinal strip regions or gratings periodically spaced on either side of the main waveguide region. These periodically spaced gratings rapidly decrease the rate of the evanescant portion of the wave according to a geometric law. Further, by controlling the amount of discontinuity presented by the periodic gratings the rate of evanescance may be controlled.
Abstract:
Couplers are disclosed for use with guided elastic waves and guided optical waves. The coupling is effected by means of a coupling region having a different phase velocity characteristic than that of the waveguide. The presence of the coupling region causes the waves traveling in the waveguide to become highly leaky. These leaky waves then encounter a second waveguide or transducer and are coupled into it. Utilizing the electroacoustic effect in the acoustic wave devices and the electrooptic effect in the optical wave devices, the phase velocity characteristic of the coupling region is controllable, permitting switchable couplers.