Amplitude modulator for a high powered beam of infrared radiation

A method and device for amplitude modulating a high powered beam of infrared radiation at frequencies in the megahertz range are disclosed. A laser is used to generate a beam of 4-40 watts of power and the beam is passed through as acousto-optical crystal having an acoustic transducer on one surface...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author PETERSON; LAUREN M
Format Patent
LanguageEnglish
Published 09.04.1985
Edition3
Subjects
DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS, THE OPTICAL OPERATION OF WHICH ISMODIFIED BY CHANGING THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIUM OF THEDEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF THE INTENSITY,COLOUR, PHASE, POLARISATION OR DIRECTION OF LIGHT, e.g.SWITCHING, GATING, MODULATING OR DEMODULATING
FREQUENCY-CHANGING
NON-LINEAR OPTICS
OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS
OPTICS
PHYSICS
TECHNIQUES OR PROCEDURES FOR THE OPERATION THEREOF
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Summary:A method and device for amplitude modulating a high powered beam of infrared radiation at frequencies in the megahertz range are disclosed. A laser is used to generate a beam of 4-40 watts of power and the beam is passed through as acousto-optical crystal having an acoustic transducer on one surface. A standing acoustical wave in the crystal is provided by a low powered drive signal at a frequency of one to ten megahertz. The beam is efficiently modulated by the standing wave at exactly twice the frequency of the drive signal. The device incorporates a heat sinking arrangement which serves to preclude deleterious action of divergent acoustical waves generated in the crystal, as well as to provide excellent removal of thermal energy.
Bibliography:Application Number: US19810304401