ARRAYED WAVEGUIDE TYPE WAVELENGTH MULTIPLEXER/DEMULTIPLEXER

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a waveguide type wavelength multiplexer/demultiplexer capable of improving wavelength characteristics and reducing etching quantity. SOLUTION: In the arrayed waveguide type wavelength multiplexer/demultiplexer, a waveguide layer held between clad layers on the waveguide substrate in a direction vertical thereto, is composed of a first input/output channel waveguide, a channel waveguide array, and a second input/output channel waveguide. This multiplexer/demultiplexer is characterized in that the following portions are continuously formed, as the waveguide layer, by a material having the same refractive index as the core: a portion between one end of the first input/output channel waveguide and one end of each waveguide of a channel waveguide array; an outer portion separated by a prescribed distance from the one end of the first input/output channel waveguide in a direction parallel to the waveguide substrate; a portion between the other end of each waveguide of the channel waveguide array and the other end of the second input/output channel waveguide; and an outer portion separated by a prescribed distance from the other end of the second input/output channel waveguide in a direction parallel to the waveguide substrate. COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT