Investigation of the Diffraction Efficiency of an Acousto-Optic Modulator
Description/Abstract/Artist Statement
We will present results from our experimental investigation into the diffraction efficiency of an acousto-optic modulator (AOM). The AOM diffracts light into different orders from a grating formed by the periodic modulation of the index of refraction of the AOM material. This modulation effect, known as photoelasticity, occurs when sound waves are generated by applying a radiofrequency (RF) drive to a piezoelectric transducer attached to a crystal. We show that the diffraction efficiency as a function of RF power goes as a sine-squared function, characterized by a saturation RF power at which the efficiency is maximized and after which it decreases with increased RF power. When using the AOM, we found that the relationship between first-order diffraction efficiency and RF drive power is a sine-squared function. These results are in excellent agreement with the theory.
Faculty Advisor/Mentor
Charles Sukenik, Matt Grau
Faculty Advisor/Mentor Department
Physics
College Affiliation
College of Sciences
Presentation Type
Poster
Disciplines
Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics | Optics
Session Title
Poster Session
Location
Learning Commons Lobby @ Perry Library
Start Date
3-30-2024 8:30 AM
End Date
3-30-2024 10:00 AM
Investigation of the Diffraction Efficiency of an Acousto-Optic Modulator
Learning Commons Lobby @ Perry Library
We will present results from our experimental investigation into the diffraction efficiency of an acousto-optic modulator (AOM). The AOM diffracts light into different orders from a grating formed by the periodic modulation of the index of refraction of the AOM material. This modulation effect, known as photoelasticity, occurs when sound waves are generated by applying a radiofrequency (RF) drive to a piezoelectric transducer attached to a crystal. We show that the diffraction efficiency as a function of RF power goes as a sine-squared function, characterized by a saturation RF power at which the efficiency is maximized and after which it decreases with increased RF power. When using the AOM, we found that the relationship between first-order diffraction efficiency and RF drive power is a sine-squared function. These results are in excellent agreement with the theory.