| abstract |
A heterojunction optical switch (10) is taught. Briefly stated, birefringence in the form of a Pockel Cell (12) is utilized such that biasing of the Pockel Cell permits the passage of light therethrough. Preferably, a light detector (14) and resistor (16) are electrically in parallel with the Pockel Cell such that light impinging upon the light detector causes the Pockel Cell to be reverse biased with the result that a separate light source may pass through the Pockel Cell. In this fashion, the Pockel Cell operates as a true optical switch. |