In short
- Fields control light. A strong electric field changes the refractive index of an electro-optic crystal. That is how Pockels cells and electro-optic modulators switch, modulate and route light.
- The switch sets the speed. A high-voltage switch applies or removes kilovolts in nanoseconds, so the optical change follows the electrical edge.
- Quantum optics depends on it. Pockels cells, modulators for entangled photons and quantum cryptography, ion traps, quantum sensing and reconfigurable experiments all need fast, clean high-voltage pulses.
- IZAK’s switch. Up to 15 kV, bandwidth above 3 MHz, rise time under 5 ns, with waveform software and custom versions. Use the calculator below to size the drive for your Pockels cell.
In optics, nonlinear optics and quantum technology, high-voltage switches are a central tool for research and applications. They turn a slow, steady high voltage into fast, precisely timed pulses, and through electro-optic materials those pulses control light. This article gives an educational overview of the physics, the roles of high-voltage switches in quantum optics systems, practical implementations and IZAK Scientific’s own switch.
The interplay between high electric fields and optical phenomena
When a strong electric field is applied to an optical material, it produces effects that range from simple linear responses to complex nonlinear ones. High-voltage switches use these effects to steer light precisely.
Linear optical phenomena
The electro-optic (Pockels) effect changes a material’s refractive index in proportion to the applied field. Electro-optic modulators use high-voltage switches to control the amplitude, phase or polarization of light. Between crossed polarizers, a Pockels cell transmits sin²(πV / 2Vπ) of the light, where Vπ is the half-wave voltage: at Vπ the polarization turns by 90° and the cell is fully open.
Nonlinear optical phenomena
Second harmonic generation (SHG) and the Kerr effect are examples of nonlinear behavior. In the Kerr effect the index change grows with the square of the field. Precisely modulated high-voltage switches support laser frequency doubling, optical computing and telecommunications. For the processes themselves, see Introduction to Nonlinear Optics and Its Quantum Impact.
Quantum optics systems: where high-voltage switches meet quantum control
Quantum optics combines quantum mechanics with optics and needs fine control of light and matter. High-voltage switches play six key roles:
Pockels cells modulate light to encode quantum information or to set quantum states. They need switches that apply or remove the voltage quickly.
Modulators help create and analyze entangled photon pairs and run quantum cryptography. They depend on switches for precise modulation.
Manipulating charged particles for quantum computing or simulation benefits from switches that change trap electrode voltages rapidly.
Switches dynamically control electromagnetic fields or optical potentials, which helps tune quantum sensors.
Switches enable the preparation and measurement of quantum states for secure transmission and help protect the integrity of quantum channels.
Switches let researchers reconfigure an experiment quickly between measurement settings across many quantum studies.
For background on entangled photons and quantum sensing, read Understanding Photon Entanglement and What Makes Quantum Sensing So Special?
Practical implementation with high-voltage switches
Beyond quantum research, high-voltage switches are used in three main ways:
Laser modulationmanufacturing, medicine
Real-time modulation of laser parameters such as Q-switching, pulse picking and intensity control, for precision manufacturing and medical lasers.
Nonlinear crystal controlPockels cells, OPOs
Optimizing the electric field in Pockels cells and in optical parametric oscillators (OPOs) to tune and control the conversion. A stable crystal mount with a high-voltage connection, such as the QuantumAlign NLO kinematic stage, keeps alignment and temperature under control.
Testing electrical componentscompliance, safety
Generating high-voltage test pulses to check components against safety and compliance standards.
Pockels cell drive calculator
A Pockels cell is a small capacitor. To switch it fast, the driver must deliver a large current for a few nanoseconds. Enter the switching voltage, the cell capacitance (including cables), the rise time, the repetition rate and the cell’s half-wave voltage.
Peak current I = C·V / tr (linear edge), stored energy E = ½CV² per edge, drive power P = C·V²·f (charge and discharge each cycle), rise-time bandwidth ≈ 0.35 / tr, transmission between crossed polarizers T = sin²(πV / 2Vπ). Cables and mounts add capacitance: include them.
Introducing IZAK Scientific’s high-voltage switch
IZAK Scientific’s high-voltage switch is built for these applications:
Switching voltage for Pockels cells, electro-optic modulators, ion traps and test pulses.
For high repetition rates and modulated waveforms.
Fast edges for Q-switching, pulse picking and gating.
Built-in signal-generator functions to shape the output waveform.
See more on the High Voltage Switcher product page.
Tailored solutions for diverse needs
IZAK adapts both hardware and software to each customer: voltage range, switching speed, waveform and integration with the rest of the system. We work closely with clients from the specification to the delivered unit, including timing and control electronics (see The Best Use of FPGA in Your Electro-Optics Setup) and complete electro-optics system development.
In summary, high-voltage switches are essential in optics, nonlinear optics and quantum technologies because they give the precision and flexibility that advanced research and applications need.
IZAK products for this application
Instruments from our catalog that match the measurements and set-ups in this article.
Electro-optic driversHigh Voltage SwitcherDrive Pockels cells for Q-switching and pulse picking.View product →
Laser metrologyLaser Beam ProfilersUV to LWIR families, packaged, OEM or software, with Test mode and reports.View product →Need something that is not in the catalog? We design custom electro-optical systems →
Scientific literature
Several studies show the importance of fast switching in optical and quantum technology:
- Thompson et al. (2014) showed that a single atom can control light through a nanophotonic quantum phase switch, a building block for long-distance quantum communication.
- Tada et al. (1991) demonstrated polarization-independent optical waveguide switches based on parabolic quantum wells, with high on/off ratios useful for telecommunications.
- Volz et al. (2011) showed ultrafast all-optical switching by single photons in a quantum dot–cavity system, pointing toward high-bandwidth quantum networks.
These studies reflect the progress and research directions in optical and quantum technology.
Further reading
For academic writing and references, these sources give the foundations:
- Boyd, R. W. Nonlinear Optics: nonlinear optics theory.
- Born, M., & Wolf, E. Principles of Optics: the classic principles of optics.
- Günter, P., & Huignard, J.-P. (Eds.). Electro-optic and Photorefractive Materials: electro-optic materials.
- IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics: research on high-speed optical modulators.
- Advances in Optics and Photonics: special issue on advances in nonlinear optics.
Frequently asked questions
QWhy does a Pockels cell need a high-voltage switch?
QHow much current does a fast Pockels cell driver need?
QWhat are the specifications of IZAK’s high-voltage switch?
Tzachi Sabati
CEO, IZAK Scientific
Physicist specializing in photonics and quantum technologies, with deep expertise in quantum sensors and advanced optical systems. Leads the Advanced Quantum Lab course at the Technion, bridging academic excellence with industry innovation. At IZAK Scientific, provides cutting-edge photonics-based solutions, developing customized inspection and sensing systems for R&D and production. Passionate about advancing quantum sensing applications and integrating novel technologies to meet industry needs.
