A light beam on a single optic fiber carries time division multiplexed information
originating from multiple sensors driven from a single light source. An optical
switch apparatus coupled in series between the source and the sensors switches
the light beam of the source between ON and OFF states. The switch apparatus includes
an electro-optic switch and an acousto-optic switch coupled in series with the
electro-optic switch. A controller and drivers for the electro-optic and acousto-optic
switches produce in an appropriate time sequence control signals resulting in a
desired ON and OFF time of the light beam being switched.