A light transfer device is provided that includes a first light pathway having a first input and a first output and a second light pathway having a second output. The second light pathway is coupled to the first light pathway, and light from the first input is transferable between the first and second light pathways. An active medium is positioned along one of the first and second light pathways, and the active medium is capable of receiving optical energy that modifies the active medium so that the active medium controls the transfer of light between the first and second pathways.