An integrated optical switch that has a low throughput loss during the "on" pulse,
and a high throughput loss during the "off" period. The optical switch includes
a substrate with at least two waveguide structures suitably formed on the substrate.
One of the waveguide structures is substantially straight and connects an input
port to an output port. During an "on" pulse, light may be guided along the substantially
straight waveguide from the input port to the output port such that there is little
throughput loss. During an "off" period, a voltage is applied across control electrodes
such that the waveguides are coupled so that light does not reach the output port.
