Abstract

The diffraction of light through the acoustooptic (AO) and electrooptic (EO) effects can be utilized to perform real-time signal processing functions including convolution, correlation, matched filtering, spectrum analysis, and matrix processing. When the medium used for AO interaction is piezoelectric, both effects can exist simultaneously and this acoustoelectrooptic (AEO) effect may offer increased capabilities for optical signal processing and computation. Both bulk wave and SAW devices have been fabricated. An AEO coupled mode theory has been investigated. Refractive-index changes caused by the simultaneous presence of acoustooptic and electrooptic signals lead to coupled wave equations for the various orders of diffracted light. Raman-Nath and Bragg diffraction solutions result from appropriate assumptions. The presence of both signals gives rise to additional effects including a new Bragg condition. The implications of some of these effects and the results of experiments are discussed.

© 1986 Optical Society of America