Abstract: A high speed optical switch may include a plurality of pairs each having a length L? that may be connected in series. All switching may be accomplished in the high speed optical switch by discharging one arm in a pair (e.g. a single L?) at a time. L? may refer to a guide length used to induce a relative ? phase shift. Each of the plurality of pairs may have two arms with both arms being initially charged. If both arms in any give pair have the same state, (e.g. either charged, uncharged, or charging) a ‘1’ may be transmitted through that pair. If the arms are in opposite states, (e.g. charged or uncharged) a ? phase shift may be produced and a ‘0’ may be transmitted through that pair. For example, a first pair in the series may be recharged while other pairs are using in switching.