Nanosecond response of bulk-optical Bragg-diffraction modulator based on periodically poled LiNbO₃

• Main Authors: Gnewuch, H. (Author), Pannell, C.N (Author), Ross, G.W (Author), Geiger, H. (Author), Smith, P.G.R (Author)
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: 1998.
• Subjects: Article
• Online Access: Get fulltext

For the first time transients are measured for a bulk-optical Bragg-diffraction modulator based on an electro-optically induced grating in periodically poled LiNbO₃ (PPLN). Optical pulse risetimes of 1.2 nsec are reported with a first order diffraction efficiency of 76 % for circular Gaussian beams. The fast risetime is accounted for by a substantially suppressed excitation of acoustic thickness modes and careful electrode design. The device could replace acousto-optical Bragg-deflectors for many applications due to a reduction of the risetime by more than an order of magnitude.