Combination splitting device composed of strip waveguides and uses thereof

• US 5,832,155 A
• Filed: 10/04/1996
• Issued: 11/03/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 02/07/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: LDT GmbH & Co. Laser-Display-Technologie KG
• Original Assignee: LDT GmbH & Co. Laser-Display-Technologie KG
• Inventors: Rasch, Andreas, Rottschalk, Matthias, Groeber, Volker, Ruske, Jens-Peter
• Primary Examiner(s): NGO, HUNG NHAT
• Application Number:
  US08/718,362
• Time in Patent Office: 760 Days
• Field of Search: 385/46, 385/24, 385/48, 385/45, 385/3, 385/2, 385/8, 385/9, 385/14, 385/17, 385/41
• US Class Current: 385/48
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 2006/12164 Multiplexing; Demultiplexing
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 2006/1218 Diffusion
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 2006/2865 couplers of the 3x3 type
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/12004 Combinations of two or more optical elements
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/313 in an optical waveguide structure
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/3132 of directional coupler type
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/3137 with intersecting or branching waveguides, e.g. X-switches and Y-junctions

Abstract

The invention concerns an integrated-optical junction splitter, in particular for applications in the wavelength range of visible light, which ensures a spatial and wideband combination of light in a wavelength spectrum Δλ greater than 75 nm (value given applies to short-wave visible light). In the case of a usable wavelength range comprising the entire spectrum of visible light, the junction splitter is a white light junction splitter. The junction splitter consists of at least three channel waveguides, at least one of which must be a single-mode integrated-optical wideband channel waveguide (SOWCW). Two channel waveguides each have a respective input and are combined into a common SOWCW at their outputs in a coupling point, which common SOWCW features a common light output at its end.

This wideband junction splitter is used as a wavelength-selective or wavelength-independent switch or modulator, in interferometric and photometric devices, sensors, and microsystem-technical solutions.

Claims

1. A junction splitter having channel waveguides for the spatial combination or splitting or switching or deflection or modulation of light, for applications within the wavelength range of visible light, comprising at least three channel waveguides, comprising:

at least one single-mode integrated-optical wideband channel waveguide (SOWCW) where in or on a surface-type substrate material, by a process for changing the refractive index, a channel-shaped structure is fabricated or a channel-shaped structure made from a suitable material is applied, with the geometric/substance parameters of the channel waveguide thus created being set in dependence of the wavelength ranges to be transmitted in the UV, visible, and/or IR regions, so that in relation to the wavelength (λ

) a minimum width of the wavelength range for single-mode light guidance is given by the equation

space="preserve" listing-type="equation">Δ

λ

.sub.w =0.48×

λ

-85 nm

where the parameters substrate refractive index (n₁), superstrate refractive index ((n₃,), refractive index of the refractive index distribution (f(x,y)) on the surface ((n₂,)), refractive index distribution in the waveguiding region, cross-sectional shape (width a and depth t) of the channel waveguide and its location in and/or on the substrate are dimensioned such that single-mode operation of the channel waveguide in the wavelength range

space="preserve" listing-type="equation">Δ

λ

.sub.w >

0.48×

λ

-85 nm

is ensured, so that to each given wavelength (λ

) in the range between λ

_a and λ

_a +Δ

λ

_w one and only one effective refractive index, can be allocated, and the single-mode range will be determined by efficient oscillation build-up of fundamental mode N₀₀ at wavelength λ

_a +Δ

λ

_w on the one hand, and by efficient oscillation build-up, in a technical sense of the first mode in lateral direction (N₀₁) or of the first mode in depth direction (N₁₀) at wavelength λ

_a on the other hand, and with transmission at a technically sufficient degree of effectiveness signifying that the effective refractive index N_eff of the mode guided in the channel waveguide must be at least 5×

10^-5 above the refractive index of the surrounding material n_s, where n_s where n_s designates the value of substrate index n₁ or superstrate index n₃, whichever is the greater, and with the minimum possible value of the usable wavelength (λ

_min) and the maximum possible value of the usable wavelength (λ

_max) being determined by the transmission range of the materials used, and thus the channel waveguide being defined as a single-mode integrated-optical wideband channel waveguide (SOWCW), and wherein there is provided

a combination and connection of the minimum of three channel waveguides, in which the geometric/substance parameters of the channel waveguides themselves as well as the media surrounding the channel waveguides which are set in dependence of the wavelength range to be transmitted in the UV, visible, and/or IR regions, so that in relation to the wavelength (λ

) the minimum width of the wavelength range for efficient junction splitter operation is given by the equation

space="preserve" listing-type="equation">Δ

λ

.sub.v >

0.27×

λ

-34 nm

where the parameters substrate refractive index (n₁), superstrate refractive index (n₃), refractive index of the refractive index distribution (f(x,y)) on the surface (n₂), refractive index distribution in the waveguiding region, geometry of the junction splitter, and its location in and/or on the substrate are dimensioned such that efficient operation of the junction splitter is at least ensured in the wavelength range

space="preserve" listing-type="equation">Δ

λ

.sub.v >

0.27×

λ

-34 nm

with the usable wavelength range Δ

λ

_N for the efficient operation of the junction splitter, in a technical sense is determined by the lesser value of one of

the difference between wavelength λ

_a +Δ

λ

_w of the efficient oscillation build-up, in a technical sense, of the fundamental mode (N_oo) in the channel waveguide and wavelength λ

_a of the efficient oscillation build-up, in a technical sense, of the first mode in lateral direction (N_o1) or of the first mode in depth direction (N₁₀) in the channel waveguide, and

the difference between wavelength λ

_a +Δ

λ

_w of the efficient oscillation build-up, in a technical sense, of the fundamental mode (N_oo) in the channel waveguide and wavelength λ

_b of the efficient oscillation build-up, in a technical sense, of the second mode in lateral direction in the coupling area, widened in relation to the channel waveguide, of the junction splitter (N₀₂), that is by ##EQU2## and so that the junction splitter of at least three channel waveguides, comprising at least one SOWCW, is defined as an integrated-optical wideband junction splitter.

2. The junction splitter according to claim 1, in which

at least two channel waveguides each have a respective input into which light may be injected, and which are combined into a common channel waveguide at outputs thereof in a coupling point, and where

the common channel waveguide is a single-mode integrated-optical wideband channel waveguide, that is, a SOWCW, which is provided with a common usable light output for spatially combined light.

3. The junction splitter according to claim 1, in which

at least one channel waveguide is intersected by at least one further channel waveguide, and where this minimum of one intersection point is

a) fully passive, or

b) a coupling point for the spatial combination of light components, or

c) a controllable coupling unit for the spatial combination of beams and/or deviation of beams, and furthermore

it is possible to inject light into each channel waveguide, and

the common channel waveguide is a single-mode integrated-optical wideband channel waveguide, that is, a SOWCW, which is provided with a common usable light output (A_M) for spatially combined light.

4. The junction splitter according to claim 1, in which

at least two channel waveguides each have a respective input into which light may be injected, and in which

the minimum of two channel waveguides have an intersection point, and in which

at the intersection point of channel waveguide and channel waveguide an integrated-optical reflector is located, forming the coupling point, and in which

the common channel waveguide is a single-mode integrated-optical wideband channel waveguide, that is, a SOWCW, which is provided with a common usable light output for spatially combined light.

5. The junction splitter according to claim 1, in which all channel waveguides are designed as single-mode integrated-optical wideband channel waveguides (SOWCW).

6. The junction splitter according to claim 1, in which at least one channel waveguide consists of rubidium⃡

potassium ion exchanged potassium titanyl phosphate (KTiOPO₄ KTP), where the geometric and substance parameters can be set such that a single-mode operation of the channel waveguide within the wavelength range

space="preserve" listing-type="equation">Δ

λ

.sub.w >

0.48×

λ

-85 nm

(with λ and

Δ

λ

_w being stated in mn) is ensured, this channel waveguide thus being a SOWCW, with the minimum possible value of the usable wavelength (λ

_min approximately 350 nm) and the maximum possible value of the usable wavelength (λ

_max approximately 4 μ

m) being determined by the optical transmission range of KTiOPO₄, and with, in particular, the wavelength range (Δ

λ

_w) of the SOWCW to be transmitted in single-mode in the visible light wavelength spectrum comprising a wavelength range greater than 350 nm, and with the SOWCW being thus defined as a single-mode white light channel waveguide, and

which in conjunction with two further channel waveguides forms a wideband integrated-optical junction splitter, and where in particular the usable wavelength range Δ

λ

_N for efficient operation of the junction splitter within the visible light wavelength range comprises a wavelength range greater than 300 nm, and with the junction splitter being thus defined as a white light junction splitter.

7. The junction splitter according to claim 1, in which

at least two channel waveguides are connected at each input with one light source respectively, and in which each light source emits light of a different wavelength or of different wavelength ranges.

8. The junction splitter according to claim 1, in which

at least one channel waveguide is connected at its input or its output with at least one light source, and in which each light source emits light of at least one wavelength or at least one wavelength range into at least one channel waveguide.

9. The junction splitter according to claim 1, in which

at least one channel waveguide is provided with a modulation device which modulates, in dependence of the wavelength or wavelength-independently, phase, amplitude or intensity and/or polarization direction of light components.

10. The junction splitter according to claim 1, in which the coupling point (6) created by combining the outputs of the channel waveguides is a controllable unit for spatial beam combination and/or beam deviation by means of which at least one of the light components can be applied to the common SOWCW and/or modulated.

11. The junction splitter according to claim 9, in which the modulation device and/or the controllable unit for spatial beam combination and or bealn deviation is based on a principle selected from a group consisting of the following principles:

a) modulation by electric fields, that is, electro-optical light modulation by means of an integrated-optical interferometer structure,

b) modulation by pressure waves, that is, acousto-optical light modulation by means of an integrated-optical interferometer structure,

c) modulation by heat, that is, thermo-optical light modulation by means of an integrated-optical interferometer structure,

d) modulation by magnetic fields, that is, mapleto-optical light modulation by means of an integrated-optical interferometer structure,

e) modulation by light radiation, that is, opto-optical light modulation by means of an integrated-optical interferometer structure,

f) modulation by heat radiation, that is, photo-thermal light modulation by means of an integrated-optical interferometer structure,

g) modulation by electric charge carriers, that is, modification of the effective refractive index by injection or depletion of free charge carriers in semiconductor materials, in comlection with an integrated-optical interferometer structure,

h) electro-optical, acousto-optical, thermo-optical, magneto-optical, optooptical, or photo-thermal modulation using the Fabry-Perot effect,

i) modulation by changing the effective refractive index by means of injection or depletion of free charge carriers in semiconductor materials, using the Fabry-Perot effect,

j) electro-optical, acousto-optical, thermo-optical, magneto-optical, optooptical, or photo-thermal cut-off modulation,

k) cut-off modulation on the basis of the change in the effective refractive index as a result of the injection or depletion of the free charge carriers in semiconductor materials,

l) controllable waveguide amplification,

m) controllable polarization conversion in COlljUnCtiOll with a polarizing evice or polarizing channel waveguide,

n) waveguide mode conversion,

o) electro-absorption modulation, and

p) modulation with the assistance of an integrated-optical switching or distributor element, such as an X-coupler, three-guide coupler, directional coupler or BOA.

12. The junction splitter according to claim 1, in which

on the surface-type substrate at least two channel waveguides run parallel in one direction and at least one further channel waveguide runs in another direction, and where the intersection points of the channel waveguides form a matrix.

13. A method of using a wideband junction splitter comprising the steps of:

using a junction splitter having channel waveguides for the spatial combination or splitting or switching or deflection or modulation of light, for applications within the wavelength range of visible light, having at least three channel waveguides, having;

at least one single-mode integrated-optical wideband channel waveguide (SOWCW) where in or on a surface-type substrate material, by a process for changing the refractive index, a channel-shaped structure is fabricated or a channel-shaped structure made from a suitable material is applied, with the geometric/substance parameters of the channel waveguide thus created being set in dependence of the wavelength ranges to be transmitted in the UV, visible, and/or IR regions, so that in relation to the wavelength (λ

) a minimum width of the wavelength range for single-mode light guidance is given by the equation

space="preserve" listing-type="equation">Δ

λ

.sub.w =0.48×

λ

-85 nm

where the parameters substrate refractive index (n₁,), superstrate refractive index ((n₃,), refractive index of the refractive index distribution (f(x,y)) on the surface ((n₂,)), refractive index distribution in the waveguiding region, cross-sectional shape (width a and depth t) of the channel waveguide and its location in and/or on the substrate are dimensioned such that single-mode operation of the channel waveguide in the wavelength range

space="preserve" listing-type="equation">Δ

λ

.sub.w >

0.48×

λ

-85 nm

is ensured, so that to each given wavelength (λ

) in the range between λ

_a and λ

_a +Δ

λ

_w one and only one effective refractive index, can be allocated, and the single-mode range will be determined by efficient oscillation build-up of fundamental mode N_oo at wavelength λ

_a +Δ

λ

_w on the one hand, and by efficient oscillation build-up, in a technical sense of the first mode in lateral direction (N₀₁) or of the first mode in depth direction (N₁₀) at wavelength λ

_a on the other hand, and with transmission at a technically sufficient degree of effectiveness signifying that the effective refractive index N_eff of the mode guided in the channel waveguide must be at least 5×

10^-5 above the refractive index of the surrounding material n_s, where n_s where n_s designates the value of substrate index n₁ or superstrate index n₃, whichever is the greater, and with the minimum possible value of the usable wavelength (λ

_min) and the maximum possible value of the usable wavelength (λ

_max) being determined by the transmission range of the materials used, and thus the channel waveguide being defined as a single-mode integrated-optical wideband channel waveguide (SOWCW), and wherein there is provided

a combination and connection of the minimum of three channel waveguides, in which the geometric/substance parameters of the channel waveguides themselves as well as the media surrounding the channel waveguides which are set in dependence of the wavelength range to be transmitted in the UV, visible, and/or IR regions, so that in relation to the wavelength (λ

) the minimum width of the wavelength range for efficient junction splitter operation is given by the equation

space="preserve" listing-type="equation">Δ

λ

.sub.v >

0.27×

λ

-34 nm

where the parameters substrate refractive index (n₁), superstrate refractive index (n₃), refractive index of the refractive index distribution (f(x,y)) on the surface (n₂), refractive index distribution in the waveguiding region, geometry of the junction splitter, and its location in and/or on the substrate are dimensioned such that efficient operation of the junction splitter is at least ensured in the wavelength range

space="preserve" listing-type="equation">Δ

λ

.sub.v >

0.27×

λ

-34 nm

with the usable wavelength range Δ

λ

_N for the efficient operation of the junction splitter, in a technical sense is determined by the lesser value of one of

the difference between wavelength λ

_a +Δ

λ

_w of the efficient oscillation build-up, in a technical sense, of the fundamental mode (N_oo) in the channel waveguide and wavelength λ

_a of the efficient oscillation build-up, in a technical sense, of the first mode in lateral direction (N_o1) or of the first mode in depth direction (N₁₀) in the channel waveguide, and

the difference between wavelength λ

_a +Δ

λ

_w of the efficient oscillation build-up, in a technical sense, of the fundamental mode (N_oo) in the channel waveguide and wavelength λ

_b of the efficient oscillation build-up, in a technical sense, of the second mode in lateral direction in the coupling area, widened in relation to the channel waveguide, of the junction splitter (N₀₂), that is by ##EQU3## and so that the junction splitter of at least three channel waveguides, having at least one SOWCW, is defined as an integrated-optical wideband junction splitter

by spatially combining light of at least two differing wavelengths or wavelength ranges for generating fast-changing spectral compositions of light, for color mixing, in a usable spectrum range greater than 75 nm, wherein a minimum of two light components are injected, respectively, into one channel waveguide each, and decoupled from a common SOWCW as spatially combined light.

14. A method of using a wideband junction splitter comprising the steps of:

using a junction splitter having channel waveguides for the spatial combination or splitting or switching or deflection or modulation of light, for applications within the wavelength range of visible light, having at least three channel waveguides, having;

at least one single-mode integrated-optical wideband channel waveguide (SOWCW) where in or on a surface-type substrate material, by a process for changing the refractive index, a channel-shaped structure is fabricated or a channel-shaped structure made from a suitable material is applied, with the geometric/substance parameters of the channel waveguide thus created being set in dependence of the wavelength ranges to be transmitted in the UV, visible, and/or IR regions, so that in relation to the wavelength (λ

) a minimum width of the wavelength range for single-mode light guidance is given by the equation

space="preserve" listing-type="equation">Δ

λ

.sub.w =0.48×

λ

-85 nm

where the parameters substrate refractive index (n₁,), superstrate refractive index ((n₃,), refractive index of the refractive index distribution (f(x,y)) on the surface ((n₂,)), refractive index distribution in the waveguiding region, cross-sectional shape (width a and depth t) of the channel waveguide and its location in and/or on the substrate are dimensioned such that single-mode operation of the channel waveguide in the wavelength range

space="preserve" listing-type="equation">Δ

λ

.sub.w >

0.48×

λ

-85 nm

is ensured, so that to each given wavelength (λ

) in the range between λ

_a and λ

_a +Δ

λ

_w one and only one effective refractive index, can be allocated, and the single-mode range will be determined by efficient oscillation build-up of fundamental mode N_oo at wavelength λ

_a +Δ

λ

_w on the one hand, and by efficient oscillation build-up, in a technical sense of the first mode in lateral direction (N₀₁) or of the first mode in depth direction (N₁₀) at wavelength λ

_a on the other hand, and with transmission at a technically sufficient degree of effectiveness signifying that the effective refractive index N_eff of the mode guided in the channel waveguide must be at least 5×

10^-5 above the refractive index of the surrounding material n_s, where n_s where n_s designates the value of substrate index n₁ or superstrate index n₃, whichever is the greater, and with the minimum possible value of the usable wavelength (λ

_min) and the maximum possible value of the usable wavelength (λ

_max) being determined by the transmission range of the materials used, and thus the channel waveguide being defined as a single-mode integrated-optical wideband channel waveguide (SOWCW), and wherein there is provided

a combination and connection of the minimum of three channel waveguides, in which the geometric/substance parameters of the channel waveguides themselves as well as the media surrounding the channel waveguides which are set in dependence of the wavelength range to be transmitted in the UV, visible, and/or IR regions, so that in relation to the wavelength (λ

) the minimum width of the wavelength range for efficient junction splitter operation is given by the equation

space="preserve" listing-type="equation">Δ

λ

.sub.v >

0.27×

λ

-34 nm

where the parameters substrate refractive index (n₁), superstrate refractive index (n₃), refractive index of the refractive index distribution (f(x,y)) on the surface (n₂), refractive index distribution in the waveguiding region, geometry of the junction splitter, and its location in and/or on the substrate are dimensioned such that efficient operation of the junction splitter is at least ensured in the wavelength range

space="preserve" listing-type="equation">Δ

λ

.sub.v >

0.27×

λ

-34 nm

with the usable wavelength range Δ

λ

_N for the efficient operation of the junction splitter, in a technical sense is determined by the lesser value of one of

the difference between wavelength λ

_a +Δ

λ

_w of the efficient oscillation build-up, in a technical sense, of the fundamental mode (N_oo) in the channel waveguide and wavelength λ

_a of the efficient oscillation build-up, in a technical sense, of the first mode in lateral direction (N_o1) or of the first mode in depth direction (N₁₀) in the channel waveguide, and

the difference between wavelength λ

_a +Δ

λ

_w of the efficient oscillation build-up, in a technical sense, of the fundamental mode (N_oo) in the channel waveguide and wavelength λ

_b of the efficient oscillation build-up, in a technical sense, of the second mode in lateral direction in the coupling area, widened in relation to the channel waveguide, of the junction splitter (N₀₂), that is by ##EQU4## and so that the junction splitter of at least three channel waveguides, having at least one SOWCW, is defined as an integrated-optical wideband junction splitter

by splitting light into at least two light components in a usable spectrum range greater than 75 nm, in which a minimum of one light component is injected into an SOWCW, and in which light components from at least two channel waveguides, which have the same spectral composition and phasing as the injected light, are decoupled.

15. A method of using a wideband junction splitter as a wavelength-selective or wavelength-independent wideband switch or wideband modulator for the amplitude or intensity of light of at least one wavelength or one wavelength range for generating fast changing light intensities and/or spectral light compositions in a usable spectrum range greater than 75 nm, comprising the steps of:

using a junction splitter having channel waveguides for the spatial combination or splitting or switching or deflection or modulation of light, for applications within the wavelength range of visible light, having at least three channel waveguides, having;

at least one single-mode integrated-optical wideband channel waveguide (SOWCW) where in or on a surface-type substrate material, by a process for changing the refractive index, a channel-shaped structure is fabricated or a channel-shaped structure made from a suitable material is applied, with the geometric/substance parameters of the channel waveguide thus created being set in dependence of the wavelength ranges to be transmitted in the UV, visible, and/or IR regions, so that in relation to the wavelength (λ

) a minimum width of the wavelength range for single-mode light guidance is given by the equation

space="preserve" listing-type="equation">Δ

λ

.sub.w =0.48×

λ

-85 nm

where the parameters substrate refractive index (n₁,), superstrate refractive index ((n₃,), refractive index of the refractive index distribution (f(x,y)) on the surface ((n₂,)), refractive index distribution in the waveguiding region, cross-sectional shape (width a and depth t) of the channel waveguide and its location in and/or on the substrate are dimensioned such that single-mode operation of the channel waveguide in the wavelength range

space="preserve" listing-type="equation">Δ

λ

.sub.w >

0.48×

λ

-85 nm

is ensured, so that to each given wavelength (λ

) in the range between λ

_a and λ

_a +Δ

λ

_w one and only one effective refractive index, can be allocated, and the single-mode range will be determined by efficient oscillation build-up of fundamental mode N_oo at wavelength λ

_a +Δ

λ

_w on the one hand, and by efficient oscillation build-up, in a technical sense of the first mode in lateral direction (N₀₁) or of the first mode in depth direction (N₁₀) at wavelength λ

_a on the other hand, and with transmission at a technically sufficient degree of effectiveness signifying that the effective refractive index N_eff of the mode guided in the channel waveguide must be at least 5×

10^-5 above the refractive index of the surrounding material n_s, where n_s where n_s designates the value of substrate index n₁ or superstrate index n₃, whichever is the greater, and with the minimum possible value of the usable wavelength (λ

_min) and the maximum possible value of the usable wavelength (λ

_max) being determined by the transmission range of the materials used, and thus the channel waveguide being defined as a single-mode integrated-optical wideband channel waveguide (SOWCW), and wherein there is provided

a combination and connection of the minimum of three channel waveguides, in which the geometric/substance parameters of the channel waveguides themselves as well as the media surrounding the channel waveguides which are set in dependence of the wavelength range to be transmitted in the UV, visible, and/or IR regions, so that in relation to the wavelength (λ

) the minimum width of the wavelength range for efficient junction splitter operation is given by the equation

space="preserve" listing-type="equation">Δ

λ

.sub.v >

0.27×

λ

-34 nm

where the parameters substrate refractive index (n₁), superstrate refractive index (n₃), refractive index of the refractive index distribution (f(x,y)) on the surface (n₂), refractive index distribution in the waveguiding region, geometry of the junction splitter, and its location in and/or on the substrate are dimensioned such that efficient operation of the junction splitter is at least ensured in the wavelength range

space="preserve" listing-type="equation">Δ

λ

.sub.v >

0.27×

λ

-34 nm

with the usable wavelength range Δ

λ

_N for the efficient operation of the junction splitter, in a technical sense is determined by the lesser value of one of

the difference between wavelength λ

_a +Δ

λ

_w of the efficient oscillation build-up, in a technical sense, of the fundamental mode (N_oo) in the channel waveguide and wavelength λ

_a of the efficient oscillation build-up, in a technical sense, of the first mode in lateral direction (N_o1) or of the first mode in depth direction (N₁₀) in the channel waveguide, and

the difference between wavelength λ

_a +Δ

λ

_w of the efficient oscillation build-up, in a technical sense, of the fundamental mode (N_oo) in the channel waveguide and wavelength λ

_b of the efficient oscillation build-up, in a technical sense, of the second mode in lateral direction in the coupling area, widened in relation to the channel waveguide, of the junction splitter (N₀₂), that is by ##EQU5## and so that the junction splitter of at least three channel waveguides, having at least one SOWCW, is defined as an integrated-optical wideband junction splitter

by injecting light into at least one channel waveguide and decoupling at a common SOWCW as spatially combined modulated light.

16. A method of using a wideband junction splitter in an arrangement as a measurement device for physical, chemical, and biological parameters, in which at least one of a light component in a channel waveguide or SOWCW, and spatially combined light in a common SOWCW, and spatially combined light provided at an output of an SOWCW, and waveguiding in one of the channel waveguides or an SOWCW are influenced by a parameter and in which the spatially combined light components are measured photometrically at a point after output of a common SOWCW, said arrangement being in a wavelength sensor, comprising steps of injecting light of an unknown wavelength into a first common SOWCW, the first common SOWCW being split into two SOWCW, and these split SOWCW being spatially combined in a second common SOWCW, and which thus constitutes an integrated-optical interferometer structure, with light intensity being measured at output of the second common SOWCW, and fitting electrodes in a suitable fashion on the split SOWCW, and with the magnitude of the voltage applied to the electrodes--which voltage causes a change in the light transmission performance at output from maximum to an adjacent minimum, or vice versa--being a measure for the wavelength of the light.

17. A junction splitter having channel waveguides for the spatial combination or splitting or switching or deflection of modulation of light for applications within the wavelength range of visible light, comprising at least three channel waveguides, comprising:

at least one single-mode integrated-optical wideband channel waveguide (SOWCW) where in or on a surface-type substrate material having a channel-shaped structure, said structure providing effective refractive indices N_eff dependent on wavelength and on different transmission modes of said waveguide and the channel shaped structure providing single mode transmission for each wavelength in a wavelength range of

space="preserve" listing-type="equation">Δ

λ

.sub.w >

0.48×

λ

-85 nm

and defining λ

_a= λ

for a given channel waveguide wherein λ

_a and Δ

λ

_w are defined by

space="preserve" listing-type="equation">N.sub.eff (λ

.sub.a +Δ

λ

.sub.w)=5×

10.sup.-5 +n.sub.s

for the fundamental mode (N_oo) and

space="preserve" listing-type="equation">N.sub.eff (λ

.sub.a(01))=5×

10.sup.-5 +n.sub.s

for the first mode in lateral direction (N₀₁) and

space="preserve" listing-type="equation">N.sub.eff (λ

.sub.a(10))=5×

10.sup.-5 +n.sub.s

for the first mode in depth direction (N₁₀) where n_s is the highest value of the refractive indices of the materials surrounding the waveguide and

space="preserve" listing-type="equation">λ

.sub.a =λ

.sub.a(01) if λ

.sub.a(01) ≧

λ

.sub.a(10)

or

space="preserve" listing-type="equation">λ

.sub.a =λ

.sub.a(10) if λ

.sub.a(01) <

λ

.sub.a(10)

wherein λ

_a(01) is the wavelength of the efficient oscillation build-up of the first mode in lateral direction (N₀₁) and λ

_a(10) is the wavelength of the efficient oscillation build-up of the first mode in depth direction (N₁₀) and thus the channel waveguide being defined as a single-mode integrated-optical wideband channel waveguide (SOWCW), and wherein there is provided;

a combination and connection of the minimum of three channel waveguides, providing efficient junction splitter operation in a wavelength range of

space="preserve" listing-type="equation">Δ

λ

.sub.v >

0.27×

λ

-34 nm

and defining λ

_b =λ

for a given junction splitter wherein λ

_b is defined by

space="preserve" listing-type="equation">N.sub.eff (λ

.sub.b)=5×

10.sup.-5 +n.sub.s

for the second mode in lateral direction (N₀₂) in the coupling area, widened in relation to the channel waveguide, where n_s is the highest value of the refractive indices of the materials surrounding the waveguide wherein λ

_b is the wavelength of the efficient oscillation build-up of the second mode in lateral direction (N₀₂) and Δ

λ

_v is defined by

space="preserve" listing-type="equation">Δ

λ

.sub.v =λ

.sub.a Δ

λ

.sub.w -λ

.sub.b

where the usable wavelength range Δ

λ

_n for the efficient operation of the junction splitter is determined by the lesser value of Δ

λ

_w or Δ

λ

_v.