Spectrum Analysis Using Acousto-Optic Devices

Abstract

A tutorial review is presented covering the real-time optical Fourier spectrum analysis of a wide band of electrical signals by means of acousto-optic diffraction. Topics include frequency dispersion, spatial modulation, weighting functions, frequency resolution, sidelobe level, optical background level, acousto-optic bandshapes, normal and birefringent acousto-optic diffraction, figures of merit, diffraction efficiency, nonlinearities and spurious responses, dynamic range and output characteristics.