Electro-optic modulator with improved acousto-optic suppression, heat transfer and mechanical support

An improved electro-optic modulator comprising

• an elongated crystal of material having a first end and a second end at its longitudinal extremities and capable of exhibiting an electro-optic effect;
• a housing longitudinally disposed about the crystal in a spaced apart relationship, having a first end and a second end;
• a first end plate, fixedly attached to the first end of the housing, having an aperture disposed therein adapted for accommodating the first end of the crystal;
• a second end plate, fixedly attached to the second end of the housing, having an aperture disposed therein capable of accommodating the second end of the crystal;
• elastomeric material, disposed about the crystal proximate the first and second ends, adapted for providing a soft mounting structure to fixedly maintain the first and second ends of the crystal within the apertures of the first and second end plates respectively to position the crystal within the housing, wherein said elastomeric material provides a liquid-tight seal between the crystal and the end plates wherein the end plates define the ends of a cavity disposed between the crystal and the housing;
• an acoustic absorber disposed within the cavity juxtaposed an inner surface of the housing and longitudinally disposed in a spaced apart relationship about the crystal;
• an acoustic matching liquid disposed within the cavity enveloping longitudinally the crystal wherein said liquid is a metal oxide suspension within a silicone oil having an acoustic impedance substantially matching the acoustic impedance of the crystal and a high acoustic absorption to the crystal;
• and
• means for applying an electric field across the crystal.