Integrated optical components employing slab waveguides for sensor applications

Two integrated optical components are proposed for the first time. One is a compact, non resonant multiple beam interferometer with several possible phase/intensity response configurations. The interferometer could be used as an evanescent wave sensor for absolute measurements. The other component, the leaky field monitor, was conceived for technology characterisation and permits the monitoring of light distribution in a slab waveguide excited by a directional coupler. It could also be used as an evanescent wave sensor. We furnish experimental data concerning the elaboration of the new components using ion exchange in glass.