Abstract: An optical switching core is disclosed that includes a plurality of input optical tiles and output optical tiles for directing optical beams between various input and output ports coupled to optical fibers. Each of the optical tiles includes a collimating optics array for transmitting a plurality of incoming optical beams and a transparent beam directing array optically coupled to said collimating optics array for redirecting said plurality of incoming optical. Two or more optical tiles are rotated about an optical axis with respect to one another to provide a compact, modular design. Drive electronics may be incorporated on tile or off tile to control the beam directing devices.