A method for constructing an optical switch and the switch constructed
thereby are described. An optical switch having a pair of chips is
assembled with a plurality of optical fibers mounted on the chips such
that endfaces of the fibers extend beyond ends of the chips. The optical
fibers may be mounted by adhering them to the chips. The endfaces of the
fibers and the front surfaces of the chips are then polished to provide
coplanar surfaces which are good optical couplers. The chips are then
etched with an etchant material which is ineffective at etching the
optical fibers. The chips may include a coating which is resistant to the
etchant material.
