Multibeam acoustooptic and electrooptic modulators enable ideband laser recording and optical data processing with reduced speed mechanical scanning. This paper presents an overview of the characteristics of several types of multibeam modulators based on optical diffraction including multifrequency AO, multiport AO, and E0 modulator arrays. First, the functions of multibeam modulators in page and disc recording formats are reviewed. The characteristics of acoustooptic traveling wave modulators are discussed with particular emphasis on the modulation capabilities of multifrequency multibeam modulators in parallel and sequential operation. The alternative imaging operation mode of acoustooptic modulators is described including pulse imaging and snapshot imaging. The characteristics of multiport AO modulators with multiple rf channels are compared with those of multifrequency modulators. Finally, full line simultaneous recording techniques are considered with some comparison of recently developed electrooptic spatial light modulators and acoustooptic methods.

Date Published: 26 October 1983
PDF: 8 pages
Proc. SPIE 0396, Advances in Laser Scanning and Recording, (26 October 1983); doi: 10.1117/12.935213

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 0396:
Advances in Laser Scanning and Recording
Leo Beiser, Editor(s)