In an optical device, a slab layer includes an active layer sandwiched
between cladding layers. The slab layer has a periodic refractive index
profile structure in a two-dimensional plane, as a two-dimensional slab
photonic crystal structure, and a linear defect region serving as a
waveguide in the periodic refractive index profile structure. Regions
having different widths of the waveguides, as segments of the waveguide,
are connected in series.