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.

Presenting Author Name/s

Kaitlyn Levine

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

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Mar 30th, 8:30 AM Mar 30th, 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.