Integrated acousto-optical componen for frequency-shifting optical frequencies

摘要

An integrated acoustooptical component for frequency-shifting optical frequencies is proposed, in which two separately guided optical waveguides exhibit an optical coupling region, which is designed in the manner of a directional coupler and in which the two optical waveguides exhibit a small spacing from one another generating an optical coupling. The acoustic waves of a sound generator propagate in the longitudinal direction over the coupling region. The two optical waveguides exhibit differing propagation constants for light. If, for example, light of mode a is injected into the optical waveguide and if the sound generator is energised, then the photons of mode a are scattered at the phonons of the acoustic waves and converted into mode b of the optical waveguide, where they can propagate. This gives rise to a frequency shifting. Accordingly, the acoustooptical component includes a frequency shifter and at the same time a coupler, which can be used for beam splitting and/or as an optical switch.