An optical delay circuit includes a plurality of defect waveguides
arranged in parallel and including a line-shaped defect in a periodic
refractive-index distribution structure of a photonic crystal. The defect
waveguides include a multiplexing/demultiplexing portion in which the
defect waveguides are arranged close to each other to multiplex and
demultiplex light; and an optical delay portion extending from the
multiplexing/demultiplexing portion, in which the defect waveguides are
arranged with a predetermined distance therebetween so that light
propagating in any of the defect waveguides does not interfere with light
propagating in the other defect waveguides. Each of the waveguides has a
different configuration.