Theoretical Investigations of a Tunable Collinear Acousto-Optic Filter.

摘要

An acousto-optic filter employing collinear interaction of light and sound is analyzed. Relations between the photoelastic tensor, impermeability tensor, and optic and acoustic waves are explored. A method of determining the compatibility of acoustic and optic polarizations and crystal orientation is developed and the results are tabulated. The equations relating birefringence, and acoustic and optic frequencies, as well as those relating acoustic power, crystal length, and wave length, are derived and discussed. The bandwidth relations are discussed and bandwidth over the visual and near IR spectra is predicted for two specific filters. Use of the filter in front of a vidicon to obtain spectral characteristics of visible scenes is investigated. Use in conjunction with a laser and photomultiplier to illuminate and detect distant objects is considered, and computer solutions of maximum object distance are given in graphical form.