Optical switches based on induced optical loss

An optical switch device, comprising:

• a switching region with an input, a first output, and a second output;
• a first waveguide that is coupled to the input to receive light and coupled to the first output to output light that is in the first waveguide;
• a second waveguide that is adjacent to the first waveguide in a coupling region, the second waveguide coupled to the second output to output light that is coupled to the second waveguide, the light being coupled to the first output and second output based on configurable absorption values of the second waveguide in the coupling region being below a threshold level, the light being coupled to only the first output based on increased absorption values of the second waveguide in the coupling region, the increased absorption values being above the threshold level, wherein:
• a first end of the second waveguide is located adjacent to the coupling region, and
• the first end is tapered.