Photon Lines UK

Optical Components

AO Modulators 

Acousto-optic modulators are used to vary and control laser beam intensity. A Bragg configuration gives a single first order output beam, which intensity is directly linked to the power of RF control signal. The rise time of the modulator is simply deduced by the necessary time for the acoustic wave to travel through the laser beam. For highest speeds the laser beam will be focused down, forming a beam waist as it passes through the modulator.

Download General Acousto-optic catalogue  Catalog-AA-2006 2.16 Mb 

Photon Lines' partner, AA Optoelectronic offers a wide range of modulators with associated drivers. The set is optimized to offer the best performances (rise time, extinction ratio...) .The RF driver features all the necessary signal to drive the modulator (carrier frequency, amplifier...) with analog or digital input control.

Either a low cost OEM version may be used, or a complete laboratory version (benchtop controller). The laboratory version is a versatile turn-key tool for fast set-up and allows the user to have AM capabilities from the front panel (DC modulation) or from an external signal.