Abstract: A plurality of crossed input and output optical channels are arranged in coordinate fashion to define a crosspoint array. A pair of jointly operable mode switches are disposed in the respective channels that form each crosspoint. Operation of the mode switch on the input side of a selected crosspoint causes incident light energy to be converted from a first mode (e.g., the TE.sub.0 mode) to a second mode (e.g., the TM.sub.0 mode). When the so-converted mode reaches the crosspoint, a reflection-type filter transparent to the first mode reflects such second mode into the other channel, where it is then reconverted back to the first mode by the operated mode switch on the output side of the crosspoint. The overall assembly may be formed by thin-film techniques on a supporting substrate.

Abstract: a repertory dialer is disclosed that includes a solid state display and a telephone keyboard coupled to a solid state memory. The solid state display comprises a plurality of alphanumeric characters, the first of which is used to provide an alphabetical index. The rest of the characters are divided into a name display and a telephone number display. The telephone keyboard is used to generate alphabetic and numeric inputs to the memory. A five-button scanning control causes the alphanumeric information stored in the memory to be sequentially displayed. Scanning is achieved by the operation of either a fast forward button, a slow forward button, a stop button, a slow backward button, or a fast backward button. Record and call function select buttons are used to select either the record or call modes of operation.