Optical modulator

Abstract

The recording of an image is performed on a heat-mode sensitive material by an optical modulator equipped with an optical modulation element consisting of an electro-optic crystal substrate. An optical modulation element 10 has an electro-optic crystal substrate 11 consisting of PLZT ceramic. The optical modulation element 10 is arranged on a base plate 18 consisting of aluminum (Al). The base plate 18 is arranged on cooling mechanism 20 that cools the electro-optic crystal substrate 11. Temperature detection mechanism 23 for detecting the temperature of the electro-optic crystal substrate 11 is provided in a portion of the base plate 18. Control mechanism is provided for controlling the cooling mechanism 20 so that the temperature of the electro-optic crystal substrate 11 becomes constant, based on temperature information from the temperature detection mechanism 23.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.