PURPOSE: To make an optical switching device smaller, easier to manufacture at a reduced cost, and resistant to external influences such as mechanical impact, vibration, and temperature fluctuation.

CONSTITUTION: All components are integrated into a housing 62. First 68 and second 70 openings provided in a side wall 66 define first 72 and second 74 optical paths. A first optical waveguide 76 is placed in the first optical path 72, and second and third optical waveguides 78, 80 are placed in the second optical path 74. An optical element 92 has a branching optical path, orienting light energy between the first optical waveguide 76 and the second and third optical waveguides 78, 80. First and second collimator lenses 86, 88 are fitted to the housing 62 at respective positions crossing the first and second optical paths 72, 74, and collect the light energy respectively to the first optical waveguide 76 and to the second and third optical waveguide 78, 80.