An optical switch comprises a prism for changing the direction of travel
of incident light to be directed toward a further optical fiber; a
switching mirror placed to be insertable and removable into and from
between a lens block and the prism; and an actuator for driving the
mirror, in which incident and emitting optical fibers are placed in the
same facing, i.e. on one surface side, of the device body. This structure
makes it possible for components to be used in common and integrated, and
for the coupling surfaces between the lens block and the optical fibers
to be gathered together in one place, thereby enabling cost reduction and
size reduction.