A system is provided including a first waveguide having an optical input
and a first optical output. A second waveguide includes a second optical
output. A coupling region is between the first waveguide and the second
waveguide. The coupling region controllably couples the first waveguide
and the second waveguide when a field is applied to the coupling region.
The strength of the field is variable to control the coupling. Further,
the first waveguide, the second waveguide, and the coupling region may be
made of electro-optical material. In another example, a component is
provided including a substrate and an electro-optical material formed on
the substrate. A first and second waveguide are formed of said
electro-optical material. An electrode structure is formed proximal to
the first waveguide and the second waveguide. The electrode structure
selectively provides an electric field in the electro-optical material
when a voltage is applied to the electrode structure.