The extinction ratio is a key performance metric in optical modulators and switches that measures the contrast between the 'on' and 'off' states of an optical signal. It indicates how effectively a modulator can distinguish between these two states, often expressed as a ratio of the power of the 'on' state to the power of the 'off' state. A high extinction ratio is crucial for ensuring clear signal transmission, reducing noise, and improving overall system performance in optical communication systems.
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