Optics and optical devices

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optical element with which a definite electric field is applied to a specified region and stable variation of a refractive index is feasible in the optical element having a fine periodic structure consisting of a protruding and recessing shape with a period lower than the target wavelength. SOLUTION: An optical element 1 having a substrate 2 and a micro periodic structure 3 formed on the substrate 2 is able to apply a strong electric field to protruding parts 3b by filling a conductive material 4, to which voltage is applied, into recessing parts 3a of the protruding and recessing shape, is able to produce a significant electro-optic effect on a material having the electro-optic effect equipped on the protruding parts 3b and consequently is able to drastically vary the refractive index. Thereby small sized optical modulator, optical attenuator and so on using the electro-optic effect are realized. Furthermore, the definite electric field is selectively applied to the whole micro periodic structure 3 or a part thereof and small sized optical router, optical deflector and so on are able to be realized. COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI