Theoretical and experimental study of the light deflection by a frequency modulated ultrasonic wave

Abstract A formula that describes angular excursion variation of an acousto-optical deflector is theoretically demonstrated and experimentally confirmed. This deflector is obtained using a laser beam interaction with a frequency modulated ultrasonic sinusoidal wave in a liquid medium. The obtained results show that each diffracted order position varies sinusoidally around its central position, in the same rhythm as the modulating signal. Moreover, the scanning frequency of the diffraction order increases linearly according to the modulating signal frequency. Furthermore, the increase in the frequency excursion leads to the increase of the angular excursion. All the theoretical results are confirmed experimentally. Finally, the frequency modulation index has been easily obtained with good precision using experimental measurements of the diffracted order angular excursion.