Drive-noise tolerant optical switching inspired by composite pulses

Abstract

Electro-optic modulators within Mach–Zehnder interferometers are a common construction for optical switches in integrated photonics. A challenge faced when operating at high switching speeds is that noise from the electronic drive signals will effect switching performance. Inspired by the Mach–Zehnder lattice switching devices of Van Campenhout et al. [ Opt. Express 17 ( 26 ), 23793 ( 2009 ). ] and techniques from the field of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance known as composite pulses, we present switches which offer protection against drive-noise in both the on and off state of the switch for both the phase and intensity information encoded in the switched optical mode.