Characterization and alignment of acousto-optic devices using digital tailored RF waveforms.

Acousto-optic (AO) devices are used in a variety of light control and processing applications in different environments, including laboratory conditions and the field environment, as well as on air- and space-borne platforms. Accurate alignment and calibration of AO deflectors and tunable filters is crucial for correct operation and to achieve specified performances of those devices. We describe a simple routine to test and align AO devices with a programmable RF waveform generator.

High-efficiency KYW acousto-optic Q-switch for a Ho:YAG laser.

A new, to the best of our knowledge, type of acousto-optic Q-switch was developed using slow shear acoustic mode in potassium yttrium tungstate (KYW) crystal. Two Q-switch configurations were created: one for vertical and one for horizontal light polarization, both providing over 50% diffraction efficiency at a wavelength of 2.1 μm and an RF driving power below 8 W.