Abstract: What is hereof proffered is a method and apparatus for optically multiplexing together a plurality of optical modulation devices on a limited number of optical transmission paths utilizing electrically passive photoactivated optical switches. The switches have the characteristic that prior to illumination, an input channel is coupled to a specific output channel. Following illumination, after a characteristic time delay, t, a first switch activates so that the input channel is disconnected from the first output channel and connected to a second output channel. It remains connected to the second output channel until the illumination is removed at which time the input channel is disconnected from the second output channel and reconnected to the first output channel. The switches are arranged sequentially along an outwardly directed optical transmission path.