Optical scanner with optically switched paths to multiple surface or edge couplers

A method for operating an optical beamsteering device, the method comprising:

• receiving an indication of a first direction in which to emit light from or receive light to the device at a first time;
• and
• operating an optical switch to route light between a first port of the optical switch and a selected one of a plurality of second ports of the optical switch at the first time, the first port coupled to a light source or a light detector, each of the plurality of second ports coupled to a different respective one of a plurality of surface/edge couplers, each of the plurality of surface/edge couplers configured to couple light from or to the device in a different respective direction;
• wherein the selected one of a plurality of second ports is coupled to a respective one of the plurality of surface/edge couplers which is configured to couple light in the first direction.