Optical switch elements

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An optical switch element, methods form making an optical switch element and optical switches containing the optical switch element. The optical switch element includes a housing containing a longitudinal channel therein having a channel axis defined along a length of the longitudinal channel. An elongate shuttle having a mirrored surface on at least one end thereof is disposed in the longitudinal channel for lateral movement substantially transverse to the channel axis between a first latch position and a second latch position. The shuttle contains a rare earth magnet for interacting with first and second magnetic coils in the housing to cause movement of the shuttle between the first latch position and the second latch position. At least one shuttle guide is provided for guiding movement of the shuttle between the first latch position and the second latch position.