Piezoelectrically generated acoustic transients in longitudinal KDP modulator crystals were investigated, using a photographic method developed for visualizing the acoustic waves. The method gives the possiblity of following the processes of acoustic wave propagation, the reflections of waves at the side faces of the crystal and the wave diffusion caused by crystal imperfections.

Investigation of transient acoustic waves in KDP electrooptic modulators

Acoustic transients generated by high voltage pulses in longitudinal KDP modulator crystals were investigated. Photographic method has been developed to visualize the acoustic waves. The experiments directly demonstrate the piezoelectric acoustic wave generation, the acoustic wave propagation, the reflexion, diffusion and diffraction of acoustic waves and the interaction of acoustic waves with crystal imperfections. From the experimental results the velocity of shear waves and the related elastic constant can be evaluated.

Investigation of piezoelectrically induced acoustic transients in KDP crystals

Acoustic transient phenomena induced piezoelectrically by high voltage switching pulses can greatly affect the shutter operation. The sensitivity and the spatial resolution of a photographic method developed for visualisation of acoustic transients in electrooptic light modulators is improved by applying a linear array of 256 photodiodes. The spatial distribution of the strain and the time dependence of the acoustic pulse shape is investigated.© (1981) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

Piezoelectrically-Induced Acoustic Transients In Potassium Dihydrogen Phosphate (KDP)Light Shutters

Experimental results are presented on the variation of a delay time which is observed between the application of a voltage pulse and the onset of mechanical vibrations in 0° Z cut ADP modulators.

K. Rashidi

Papers

Pulse response of 0°Z cut ADP modulators