Electro-Optic Deflection Systems

Laser Deflector Specifications

Our E-O Deflectors offer precise angular deflection along with a fast random access response. They rely on optical transit time; however, response is limited by the driver. Moreover, beam positioning precision depends on the applied voltage. Additionally, their design minimizes temperature variations, and the deflection angle remains nearly constant across various wavelengths due to index dispersion.

Furthermore, E-O Deflectors provide key advantages over acousto-optic devices, including full beam deflection. Notably, transmission efficiency is only affected by Fresnel reflections, absorption, and scattering losses in the cell, rather than by the deflection mechanism itself.

Finally, E-O Deflectors are “straight through” devices, deflecting the beam around the zero applied signal position. In contrast, acousto-optic devices have a significant angular offset and require RF maintenance even when the beam is at rest.

The deflection angle,  of an E-O Deflector is given by:

Where K is a constant determined by the electro-optic material used, V is the applied voltage, L is the active length of the device, and a² is the aperture diameter. Translating deflection angle to the number of resolvable spots:

In applications involving electro optic deflection systems, where a diffraction-limited Gaussian beam with a diameter “a” and wavelength “i” of is used, beam clipping losses are generally ignored. The voltage-to-diameter ratio (V/a) is limited by the internal breakdown voltage, around 1000V/mm for fluid-filled units. After selecting the electro-optic material and operating wavelength, the active length becomes the key factor determining the number of resolvable spots. It’s crucial to recognize that the equation provided is highly idealized, and both “V” and “a” significantly impact the complexity of electronics design and crystal fabrication.

Customizing Electro Optic Deflection Systems for Precision

Conoptics provides standard electronics drivers for electro-optic deflection systems; however, we often customize the 310A to meet specific needs. Additionally, we commonly modify the systems with larger apertures, UV/IR operation, and higher voltage drivers. Furthermore, we create X-Y systems by coupling deflectors with a polarization rotator, and we also add sensors and feedback loops to enable beam-pointing stabilization.

List of Deflectors

Model 310A

Model 311A

Model 312

Model 312-2

Model 400-80

Model 400-120

Amplifier Key Features:

Model 302RM Amplifier

Model 412 Dual Amplifier

Model 25D Amplifier

Related Products

M312-1

Model 310A Outline Drawing

Model 320 Nutator Deflector

Model 412 Deflector Cutout

Technical Downloads

• Anti-Brownian electrokinetic trapping