Sequential beam switching of acousto-optic modulator

Abstract

An acousto-optic modulator beam switching device for use in recording and display systems comprises a source of collimated light; an acousto-optic modulator; said source being capable of being beamed at said modulator; a radio-frequency oscillator capable of providing outputs at a plurality of frequencies; and a switching device coupled to said modulator and to said oscillator means; said switching device allowing each of said plurality of frequencies to be coupled to said modulator in succession, according to a predetermined sequence; the application to the modulator of each of said frequencies causing a corresponding deflection in the angle of the beam exiting from said modulator; said deflected beam having a predetermined power versus time characteristic; said predetermined sequence allowing a first frequency to be coupled to said modulator followed by a second frequency being coupled to said modulator at a time before the deflected beam exiting from said modulator, as a consequence of the application of said first frequency, has reached its maximum level of power.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.