Acousto-optic properties of some chalcogenide crystals

Abstract

We report results of extensive measurements on the acousto-optic properties of several sulfosalt-type chalcogenide crystals. These materials typically are transparent from the near ir to the intermediate ir, with refractive indices ranging from 2.5 to 3. Their acoustic velocities are among the lowest of any material, and ultrasonic attenuation remains low for frequencies to 500 MHz. These properties lead to exceptionally high acousto-optic figures of merit.