A simple all-optical light switch and its relations to optical computing: a demonstration for teaching photonics

The authors discuss how a simple and inexpensive all-optical light switch can be built for teaching and demonstrating photonics in a classroom or for undergraduate lab experiments. The discussion of this readily understandable device will familiarize the student with the similarities and differences between photonics and electronics. As an example, the authors consider how this device relates to all-optical computing circuits, promoting a comparison between electronic and optical integrated circuits