Acousto-Optic Modulation and Deflection of Terahertz Radiation.

It is known that one of the ways to increase the energy efficiency of acousto-optic devices is to use ultrasound beams with a higher power density. It has been established experimentally that the use of a partially electroded ultrasonic transducer significantlyincreases the energy efficiency of the acousto-optic modulator of terahertz radiation. In addition, the operation of an acousto-optic deflector of terahertz radiation with the use of a sectioned ultrasound transducer was theoretically investigated.

Optimal Design of an Ultrasound Transducer for Efficient Acousto-Optic Modulation of Terahertz Radiation.

Acousto-optic (AO) interaction in the terahertz range was investigated with the use of monolithic ultrasound transducers of various widths. Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) liquefied at a temperature of about 23 °C and a pressure of 25 bar was used as a medium for AO interaction. The angular and frequency bandwidths of effective AO interaction, as well as the diffraction efficiency per 1 W of the driving electric power, were determined.