To provide a smaller, more robust and more inexpensive signal switching device which operates more quickly than existing signal switching elements in all optical communication switching system.

A semiconductor chip having an MEMS(Micromachined Electro- Mechanical System) mirror system is used on its face. The MEMS device is constructed to operate in a pure materials flex mode, with no moving mechanical parts to wear. The MEMS mirror system is used to create local distortions in the reflected and/or transmitted electromagnetic radiation wavefront to redirect the electromagnetic radiation in such a way as to create channels of changed resistance in a bulk semiconductor. These changes in resistance to the channels serve to enhance or impede the motility of electrons through the bulk semiconductor, thereby providing a switching function within the bulk semiconductor.