An optical switching array includes a body of a semiconductor material having opposed surfaces. A plurality of spaced bodies of a semiconductor material are on one of the surfaces of the substrate. Each body includes four superimposed regions extending thereacross with the regions being of alternating opposite conductivity type to form PN junctions between adjacent regions. The bodies are capable of emitting light in response to an optical input when an electrical bias is applied thereacross. A fifth region extends across each body and forms a Zener diode with one of the outer region of the body. The Zener diode is adapted to limit the voltage drop across the bodies when one of the bodies is biased to emit light so as to permit more than one body to be turned to its light emitting condition at any one time.