Low loss optical switch with inducible refractive index boundary and spaced output target

An optical switch element disposed along a first waveguide segment and having first and second states, comprising:

• first and second regions longitudinally-adjacent with each other in said first waveguide segment, said first and second regions defining a common boundary therebetween, said first and second regions having an index of refraction difference which is greater when said switch element is in said first state than when said switch element is in said second state, and wherein said boundary is oriented at such an angle to said first waveguide segment as to redirect optical energy through total internal reflection when said switch element is in said first state;
• and
• a first optical index structure spaced from said first waveguide segment and disposed and oriented to guide optical energy redirected from said first waveguide segment when said switch element is in said first state.