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Alluxa - Optical Coatings LB 8/23
Photonics Dictionary

acousto-optic

Acousto-optic refers to the interaction between sound waves and light waves within a material medium, where acoustic waves (sound waves) influence the optical properties of the material. This interaction can be used to control light in various ways, such as deflecting, modulating, or filtering light beams. The effect is primarily due to the phenomenon known as the acousto-optic effect or photoelastic effect, where the refractive index of the material is altered by the pressure variations caused by sound waves. Devices that utilize this effect are called acousto-optic devices, and common examples include acousto-optic modulators (AOMs) and acousto-optic deflectors (AODs).
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