The propagation constant, the effective index, the effective guide thickness and the refractive index has been measured by using the method of a variable spacing of a high-index film and the waveguide surface. The spacing can be varied by the electrostrictive element.

A new fabrication method of a star coupler has been described. It is fabricated by stacking polymer films and then sticking them by a heat press. Using this method, the star coupler can be produced very easily and has square core cross sections. The 5-port multimode star coupler made on an experimental basis has an output power variation of 0.9 dB and an insertion loss of 3 dB.

A multimode variable directional coupler has been fabricated by piling up films. It uses an electrostrictive element. The output powers can be continuously controlled over a wide range. The output powers from the two output ports of the coupler were equalized at a stress of 16.8 kg/cm2, and the loss due to the stress was small (0.19 dB).