An optical device includes at least a first and second electrical
conductors. At least one optical layer overlies at least a portion of the
first and second electrical conductors. An applicator is positioned
proximate to said at least one optical layer to selectively redirect light
from the optical layer. An electrical coupling path between said at least
one applicator and one of said first or second electrical conductors, at
least a portion of the coupling path traversing said at least one optical
layer. At least one optical waveguide may be formed in an optical layer
above said electrical conductors. A feature is located to receive light
redirected by the applicator and at least one electrical coupling path,
which may be included in said feature, couples the applicator and at least
one of said plurality of conductors. In a further aspect, a method for
manufacturing an optical device is disclosed. The method comprises the
steps of: providing a substrate; constructing at least a first electrical
conductor in a first substantially planar layer; forming an optical
guiding structure in an optical layer; constructing at least one
applicator capable of redirecting optical energy; constructing a feature;
and electrically coupling said applicator and said at least first
electrical conductor.