Multi-frequency Acousto-Optic Modulators are designed to operate with multiple RF signals simultaneously, enabling a single optical device to handle several laser frequencies at once. This functionality is crucial in multi-wavelength laser systems, where different channels need independent control without interference. By using precisely engineered acoustic waveforms, multi-frequency AOMs...

Acousto-Optic Modulators (AOMs) play a critical role in many fiber optic sensing systems, enabling precise control of optical frequency, amplitude, and timing. Selecting the right AOM is not simply a component choice—it directly impacts system accuracy, stability, and long-term reliability. This article explores the key considerations engineers should evaluate when choosing an AOM for a...

LiDAR technology has transformed industries from autonomous vehicles to atmospheric monitoring, offering precise distance measurements through laser-based sensing. The performance of a LiDAR system relies not only on the laser source but also on the ability to modulate the laser with high speed and precision. Fiber-coupled acousto-optic modulators (AOMs) are emerging as critical components...

Laser scanning systems are at the heart of modern imaging, ranging from high-speed microscopy to 3D mapping and LiDAR technology. To achieve precise, rapid control of laser beams, engineers often turn to Acousto-Optic Modulators (AOMs) and Acousto-Optic Deflectors (AODs)—two powerful tools that manipulate light with sound. Understanding AOMs and AODs At a fundamental level, both AOMs and...

In the high-speed, precision-driven world of optical networks, components are often pushed to their physical limits. Among these, Optical Delay Lines (ODLs) play a pivotal role in managing signal timing with microscopic accuracy. However, there's a silent variable that can make or break their performance: temperature stability. At its core, an ODL is designed to introduce a precise,...

In the rapidly advancing field of photonics, miniaturization has become a critical frontier. Fiber optic acousto-optic modulators (AOMs), traditionally bench-top devices, are undergoing a remarkable transformation as engineers and researchers push the boundaries of compact design. This shift toward miniaturization isn't merely about saving space—it's enabling entirely new classes of...

Acousto-optic (AO) devices are the unsung heroes of photonics, enabling precise control over light with nothing but sound waves. Two of the most common are the Acousto-Optic Modulator (AOM) and the Acousto-Optic Deflector (AOD). While they work on the same core principle, choosing the wrong one can limit your system's performance. Let’s break down when your application needs the...

In the quest to understand what lies beneath the surface, engineers and scientists have long been limited. Optical methods see only the exterior, while traditional ultrasound often lacks the fine detail needed for modern materials. A powerful hybrid technology is bridging this gap: opto-acoustic modulation. By marrying the precision of light with the penetrating power of sound, it is redefining...

Abstract: While commonly known for intensity modulation, Acousto-Optic Modulators (AOMs) are also powerful tools for precise, rapid, and non-mechanical control of laser beam direction. This article explains the principles of Bragg diffraction-based beam deflection, explores the design of specialized Acousto-Optic Deflectors (AODs), and discusses their key applications and performance...

In our previous post, we discussed why 397 nm AOMs are ideal for space. Now, let's get practical and explore how they are integrated into the cold-atom systems that are revolutionizing space-based science. From measuring Earth's gravity field to testing fundamental physics, cold-atom interferometers and ion clocks are at the forefront of space technology. At the core of these systems is...