Optical Surface Waves on Thin Films and Their Application to Integrated Data Processors

Abstract-Plane waveguide modes excited on thin dielectric films in the visible spectrum are described and photographs of the modes of the first six orders, taken at the exit edge of the film, are shown. Photographs are also presented of interference patterns between separately excited modes, Measurement techniques based on the mode properties are discussed and the application of thin film techniques to integrated optical data processors is proposed.