Optical switches are photonic devices that control the flow of light. At their simplest, they operate as on/off gates, allowing light to pass with low insertion loss in the open state and blocking transmission (causing high insertion loss) when closed. 📦 For purchasing, use the RP Photonics Buyer's Guide for optical switches. It provides an expert-curated supplier directory, buyer-focused technical background information, and structured selection criteria to support professional procurement decisions. Serving as the backbone of high-speed fiber-optic networks, data centers, and emerging technologies like quantum. Optical switching is the process of controlling the destination of individual optical information signals.