An optical switch (11, 111, 211) includes a member (26) having a plurality
of openings (31-42) therethrough which are arranged in a periodic pattern.
A path (86-87, 91-92, 96-97) extends through the member from an input to
an output, with a subset of the openings disposed along the path. In one
operational mode, each of the openings contains a material having an index
of refraction which is different from the index of refraction of the
member, so as to define a photon band gap configuration that inhibits
propagation through the member of radiation at a predetermined wavelength.
In a different operational mode, the index of refraction of the subset of
openings along the path has a different value, which permits radiation to
propagate along the path.
