Acousto-Optic Tunable Filters for Imaging Applications in the 2-4 μm with Low RF Drive Power |
| S. Vallea,b, J.D. Ward a, C. Pannell c, N.P. Johnson b
aGooch and Housego (UK) Ltd, Dowlish Ford, Ilminster, Somerset, TA19 0PF, UK bOptoelectronics Group, School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8LT, UK cGooch and Housego (Orlando), 4632 36th street, Orlando, Fl 32811, USA |
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| The λ2 dependence on acoustic field intensity (and hence RF drive power) can render large aperture acousto-optic tunable filters impractical for many applications beyond about 2 μm. One potential technique for reducing the RF drive-power requirement is to configure an acousto-optic tunable filter such that the interaction region is at acoustic resonance. We describe an acousto-optic tunable filter that operates at resonance and present an analysis of the predicted performance. In addition, we address the practical issues in deploying such a scheme. Finally, we present results of a prototype "resonant acousto-optic tunable filter" operating in the 1-2 μm region. |
DOI: 10.12693/APhysPolA.127.58 PACS numbers: 62.20.-x, 78.20.hb, 62.40.+i |