Fast control of the reflection of a ferroelectric by means of an extremely short pulse.

We propose a new type of optical switch based on a ferroelectric. It is based on the gap which exists for waves propagating from a dielectric to a ferroelectric material. This gap depends on the polarization of the ferroelectric. We show that it can be shifted by means of a control electromagnetic pulse in such a way that the material becomes transparent. This device would produce a shift in a time much shorter than the relaxation time of the ferroelectric (1 ns). Estimates are given for a real material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]