Acousto-Optic Tunable Filters

Abstract

This paper reviews the theory, techniques, and applications of acousto-optic tunable filters (AOTF). Two basic types of AOTF are described, i.e., the collinear and the noncollinear configurations. The important device characteristics of the AOTF presented include the bandpass response and spectral resolution, angular aperture, and the filter tuning relation. This review concludes with a discussion of various AOTF applications.