I'd like to get your thoughts on using a plasma field instead of a
traditional minor to reflect the light in an optical switch.

Generally, the index of refraction of a plasma is less  than 1 and it  is
dependent upon both the frequency of the light and the electron  density.
Accordingly, light at an appropriate angle can be totally  internally reflected.
Additionally, at an appropriate electron density,  the index of refraction will
be totally imaginary and the light will be  reflected for all angles of
incidence.  Hence, a plasma field with a planar  surface can replace a mirror in
a
mems type switch.

Since there already exists a technology (plasma monitors) that incorporates
over a million high speed addressable plasma chambers at a relatively low
cost,  I believe that an optical switch using a plasma mirror could be a
commercially  feasible method of providing high port count optical switches.

Alternatively, one could pass a light signal at an angle through an area
with a plasma field that can be turned on and off.  The light signal  would be
displaced by a specific distance depending upon whether the plasma  field is on
or off.

I would appreciate any comments that anyone might have.

Thank you.