"Instantaneous" light-controlled optical switch with induced gratings

A light-controlled optical switch was constructed: its reponse time was independent of the inertia of the medium employed in the switch, but was limited only by the duration of the control pulse. Operation of the switch was based on the effects of gratings induced in the medium by the control and investigated radiation. Picosecond light pulses were used to demonstrate the operation of the switch when the medium was a solution of a bleachable dye.