An EMI-resistant control device for providing a control signal may include an optical glass fiber connector housing adapted to be connectable to an apparatus for providing the control signal to the apparatus for controlling operation thereof. The EMI-resistant control device may also include a carbon nanotube optical switch mounted in the optical glass fiber connector housing. The carbon nanotube optical switch may include a plurality of light sensitive carbon nanotubes adapted to connect a voltage source to an output of the EMI-resistant control device in response to an optical signal being received by the optical glass fiber connector housing. The optical glass fiber connector housing directs the optical signal onto the plurality of light sensitive carbon nanotubes. The voltage source provides the control signal to the apparatus.