Acousto-optic tunable filter with two acoustic channels
US4705362A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 2, 1986 |
| Grant date | Nov 10, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 2, 2006 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02F1/116
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An acousto-optic tunable filter configuration and a method for the operation thereof, whereby the tuning range is extended. A non-collinear acousto-optic tunable filter crystal has a first transducer bonded to one transducer face of the crystal and a single transducer bonded on the opposite crystal face which crystal face is cut so as to be parallel to the first transducer. The first transducer operates at a center frequency f.sub.1 and the second transducer operates at a center frequency f.sub.2. By launching acoustic waves having a center frequency f.sub.1 into the crystal from the crystal's first side acoustic waves propagate in a first direction such that the interaction of the acoustic wave with the light results in the absorption of a phonon. Acoustic waves having a center frequency f.sub.2 are launched into the crystal from the crystal's second side and propagate in a second direction which is anti-parallel to the first direction such that the interaction with the light by the second series of acoustic waves results in the stimulated emission of a phonon.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.