  In several types of quantum computers light is one of the main tools to
control both the position and the quantum state of the atoms used for
computing. In practical systems laser light is applied to manipulate quantum
states of qubits in the desired way. Beside physical effects like decoherence
and quantum noise the precision of qubit manipulation has a significant impact
on the achievable quantum computing error rate. One of the key optical
components beside the laser is the optical modulator, which modulates or
switches a constant power laser light in order to provide light pulses or pulse
sequences with a desired envelope. Acousto-optic (AOM) and electro-optic (EOM)
modulators can be applied, which are both voltage controlled. However, there is
neither a simple linear relationship between their control signal and the
precise modulator output, nor can they be considered to have time-invariant
characteristics. The aim of this paper is to describe techniques to generate
AOM and EOM control signals in such a way that almost arbitrary target output
waveforms (i. e. optical power versus time) are achieved with high accuracy.
