An optical device includes a ridge waveguide defined by a ridge extending
from a slab of a light transmitting medium. The optical device also
includes trenches extending into the slab of light transmitting medium on
opposing sides of the ridge. At least one of the trenches is associated
with a trench displacement that tapers from a first displacement to a
second displacement. The trench displacement is the distance between the
ridge and the side of a trench closest to the ridge. The optical device
also includes at least one electrical contact positioned in at least one
of the trenches.
