Three-dimensional curved surface for integrated optics.

As an extension of our previous experimental and theoretical studies on homogeneous dielectric cylindrical surface or a single curved boundary on thin dielectric film as an optical waveguide, we study the behavior of a wave being guided by a conic or spherical surface. Experiments show that these surfaces cause the guided light to be deflected continuously toward the region with larger cross section, an effect that can be explained either by geometric optics or by wave equations. Possible applications of these surfaces in integrated optics are discussed.