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In this thesis we use optical spectroscopy to investigate III/V semiconductor quantum dot-micropillar cavities. The aim is to identify a pillar containing a single quantum dot that can be used to develop an optical switch, an important component within a photonic network. We will investigate how to improve the mode-coupling of a laser beam into the micropillar cavity, to increase the efficiency of coupling photons into and out of the cavity. We will develop and demonstrate the micropillar post-processing techniques performed using a Focussed Ion Beam etching technique to control the mode-splitting within a micropillar that arises from an imperfect cavity with an elliptical cross-section. Finally, we will investigate how a quantum dot strongly coupled to the micropillar cavity mode can be used as an optical switch.