A switch for optically coupling a first optical channel to a selected one
of a plurality of second optical channels includes a frame that defines a
central passage, through which a beam coupled to the first optical channel
may pass, and a plurality of peripheral passages, through which a beam
coupled to a selected second optical channel may pass. A rotational object
is capable of rotating about an axis. A beam redirector allows a first
optical path to be optically coupled to a second optical path extending
from a preselected position adjacent the peripheral area of the rotational
object. A turning mechanism causes the rotational object to rotate to a
position where the second optical path is in alignment with the selected
one of the plurality of second optical channels.
