Theoretical and Experimental Investigation into the Use of SAW (Surface Acoustic Wave) Weighting Techniques in Optical Diffraction Gratings

摘要

This Memorandum describes the behaviour of optical diffraction gratings which have been weighted in various ways analogous to those used in surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices. It is shown experimentally and theoretically that a wide variety of two-dimensional responses can be achieved by these means. In this study we have chosen to concentrate on quasi-rectangular responses, and we describe in some detail the factors that limit the performance achievable in practice. Some possible applications of these techniques in the spatial, temporal and spectral domains are mentioned. A succinct version of this Memorandum has been submitted to the journal Applied Optics.