A system for alternately directing optical energy through multiple optical modulation channels includes an optical switch having first and second optical output ports for alternately directing an optical signal at full input power out of first and second optical output ports; a first optical modulation channel for modulating the output signal received from the first optical output port; and a second optical modulation channel for modulating the output signal received from the second output port. The optical switch includes a Pockels cell and a birefringent mirror. The Pockels cell transforms a first polarization state of the optical signal into a second polarization state in response to receiving an input signal. The birefringent mirror allows the optical signal to propagate along a first axis when the optical signal has a first polarization state, and directs the optical signal along a second axis when the optical signal has a second polarization state.