FIELD: fibre-optical communication lines, optical logic circuits. SUBSTANCE: method of commutation and modulation of distributively-coupled waves is realized with the aid of nonlinear optical waveguide manufactured in the form of laminated structure of MQW type with alternating layers that is semiconductor birefrigent and/or optically active, includes lead-in of polarized optical signal emission and polarized optical radiation pumping, changes intensity or phase or polarization or wave length or angle of input of signal emission or simultaneously changes intensities or phases or polarization of pumping radiation and signal emission. Electric current is passed through waveguide in direction transverse to it. Unidirectional distributively - coupled waves are split at output of system. In accordance with another version first radiation of pumping only is input into waveguide and then intensity or polarization or length of radiation wave is changed across input of wave guide or electric or magnetic field applied to waveguide is changed. Device for realization of method includes input-output units, optical element splitting waves across output of waveguide. EFFECT: enhanced compactness and reliability of device, expanded field of its application, decreased pumping power. 49 cl, 7 dwg
