FIELD: acoustooptics. SUBSTANCE: tuned acoustooptical waveguide device with characteristic independent of polarization includes substrate made of birefringent and photoelastic materials on which at least one stage of conversion of polarization mode of two individual polarization components of optical signal takes place, first and second polarization-selective elements placed correspondingly before and after conversion stage and one compensation stage as minimum for conversion of polarization mode. At least one optical waveguide lets two polarization components pass in integrated form. Method of acoustooptical switching over of optical signals is based on two conversions of polarization components of optical signal transmitted in split and non-split form under acoustooptical interaction with two acoustic waves. EFFECT: improved reliability of device and method. 16 cl, 4 dwg
