The future directions in integrated optics include:

At its heart, integrated optics theory rests on the solution of Maxwell’s equations within dielectric waveguides of high refractive index contrast. The most fundamental component is the , followed by channel (ridge or rectangular) waveguides . The eigenvalue equation for a three-layer slab waveguide: [ \kappa h = m\pi + \phi_12 + \phi_13 ] where (\kappa = \sqrtn_1^2 k_0^2 - \beta^2) and (\phi_12, \phi_13) are Goos-Hänchen phase shifts at the interfaces, determines the discrete propagation constants (\beta) of transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic (TM) modes. This modal analysis forms the basis for all higher-order phenomena: modal dispersion, cutoff conditions, evanescent coupling, and bending losses.

Several integrated optical devices have been developed, including: