Abstract: A method and an apparatus for switching a beam from a first port to a second port in an optical switch are described. Switching is performed by a single-axis beam steering element and one or more actuatable beam diffraction devices. Each beam diffraction device is actuatable between diffracting and non-diffracting states. Each beam diffraction device is configured to deflect the optical beam when in the diffracting state such that at least part of the optical beam is diffracted outside a detection area of a column of I/O ports. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.