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Photonics Dictionary

acoustic-optic deflection

Acousto-optic deflection refers to a phenomenon where the trajectory of light is altered by acoustic waves propagating through a material. This effect is utilized in acousto-optic devices, which are capable of controlling the direction and intensity of light beams through the interaction of sound waves and light waves within a crystal or other optically transparent medium.

Key points about acousto-optic deflection include:

Principle: When an acoustic wave passes through an optically transparent material, it creates periodic changes in the refractive index of the material. This periodic modulation of the refractive index causes the material to act as a diffraction grating for light passing through it.

Deflection mechanism: Light passing through the acousto-optic material experiences diffraction, causing it to deviate from its original path. The angle and direction of deflection depend on the wavelength of the light and the frequency of the acoustic wave.

Applications: Acousto-optic deflection finds applications in laser beam steering (e.g., in laser printers and optical scanners), optical switching, modulation of laser beams for telecommunications and signal processing, and in various types of spectroscopy and imaging systems.

Acousto-optic devices are valued for their ability to achieve rapid and precise control of light beams, making them essential components in many advanced optical systems and technologies.
 

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