Ultimate Control of the Laser Beam: Where G&H Makes a Difference with its Acousto-Optic Beam Deflectors
Acousto-Optic Beam Deflectors (AODs) for UV systems are revolutionary hardware whose ultimate task is to ensure the interaction between sound and light waves. Their main functionality is that of redirecting laser beams for a precise purpose. They are known for their extensive use in signal processing, laser displays, photolithography, and optical inspection, among other applications.[1]
AODs even made history by becoming an essential part of the experimental validation behind the Bose–Einstein condensation, a phenomenon for which the 2001 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded and which opens up new, exploratory avenues in quantum physics and quantum computing.[2][3] The ongoing efforts to develop our Acousto-Optic Beam Deflector line at G&H have provided us the opportunity to highlight some of the key factors that differentiate our acousto-optic solutions from what is currently available on the market.
One important aspect to mention from the start is that all G&H AO Deflectors are custom designs, specifically attuned to the needs of our clients. That translates into a high-performance spectrum that varies, depending on client goals. This approach falls in line with the problem-solving ethos developed at Gooch & Housego over the years, where breakthroughs in optics and photonics are being converted into solutions for immediate market-driven challenges. But with our latest Acousto-Optic Beam Deflector developments, our expert engineering team went beyond that mindset. From their crystals to their coatings, all vertically manufactured within G&H, our AODs reach superior results because of these following qualities:
1. An extremely accurate positioning of lasers
The quintessential feature that defines a high-performing acousto-optic device is its capacity to use the laser beam in the desired manner. This translates into the need for an extremely accurate laser positioning. For example, when looking at the integrated circuits currently used in smartphones, tablets, wearables, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, the beam steering accuracies required are incredible. Processing equipment must be able to drill microvias and scribe trenches that take up less than 10 μm in size. Spot placement for laser processing of microelectronics requires accuracy in the range of only a few microns with little or no heat affected zone (HAZ). At G&H, our acousto-optic deflectors are primed to cater to this important need because of optimal thermal management while maintaining minimal stresses being applied to the crystal at work.
2. Highest diffraction efficiency across bandwidth
According to Dr. Rüdiger Paschotta, when considering the operational levels of AODs, “An important performance figure is the diffraction efficiency, which is typically of the order of 50%”[4]. This quality is crucial for translating the incident light into a precise beam steering. At G&H, our latest Acousto-optic Deflectors have a 210 MHz center frequency, an RF bandwidth of 130 MHz, and a diffraction efficiency of 83% typical over a full 30 mrad scan angle. Especially because of this performance output, our solutions are now being used by a number of OEM manufacturers for their latest micro-electronic processing tools. Utilizing state-of-the-art RF driver technology paired with best-in-class materials and processing contributes to each AOD achieving optimum performance across its entire bandwidth.
3. Lowest amount of beam distortion
Using the inputted energy effectively in an AO deflector can only happen when the technological solution is prompted to have as little interference in the light propagation process as possible. By applying advanced design techniques such as thermal modeling and low stress interfaces, we get to achieve minimal beam pointing and aberrations. Such performance is paramount in fields such as defense and aerospace, telecommunication, scientific research, and medical imaging, all of which use AOD technology for their operations.
4. High optical quality of the beam
The pieces placed in a system determine the excellence of outcome. As such, achieving a high-grade optical beam quality is supported by the use of premium-class optical components such as lenses and mirrors, which ensure the integrity and alignment of the laser. These beam-steering systems require mastery of crystal polishing, coatings and transducers, as well as a focus on superior engineering and manufacturing finesse. With 75+ years of optical heritage under the belt, G&H has acquired a select intellectual acumen in optics and photonics which is deployed in manufacturing operations for custom-designed, high-speed, high-repetition AOD solutions.
5. Made-in-the-US specificity
Vertical integration is beginning to gain more ground for customers interested in purchasing acousto-optic deflectors and modulators, in particular for high-volume scenarios. Steadfast in our supply chain reliability and environmental responsibility pledges, G&H is growing in its locally-made mindset, capitalizing on both exceptional talent and material resources in the United States. On the one side, this strategy has helped us achieve a high manufacturing standard because we hold the operational methodology in our own hands. What also happened is that the localization approach has enabled a production process for AODs that is less likely to be affected by external factors such as workforce management of other businesses, regulatory and compliance mismatches or global unrest. An extra benefit from our components being made in the US is reflected in the overall long-term cost efficiency of our products. What feels like a competitive price at the start of the purchasing process leans itself into an effective cost solution down the road due to the high-quality and durability of our AODs.
We set the highest standard for our acousto-optic deflectors for UV systems. What will appear as a product with similar technical specifications compared to other AOD manufacturers will stand out for its superior performance. Our teams have vouched for this result and our clients have confirmed it for the past decades. So, the next time you are thinking of including high-performing acousto-optic devices in your technological mix, you can rest assured G&H has exactly what you are looking for.
[1] Roy, P. (2024). Acousto-Optic Deflector-Principles, working and Applications. International Journal of Advanced Networking and Applications, 15(05), 6126–6130. https://doi.org/10.35444/ijana.2024.15508
[2] Ketterle, W. (2001). WHEN ATOMS BEHAVE AS WAVES: BOSE-EINSTEIN CONDENSATION AND THE ATOM LASER. In Nobel Prize [Author]. Nobel Lecture, Oslo, Norway. https://www.nobelprize.org/uploads/2018/06/ketterle-lecture.pdf
[3] Weitz, M., Klaers, J., & Vewinger, F. (2013). Optomechanical generation of a photonic Bose-Einstein condensate. Physical Review A, 88(4). https://doi.org/10.1103/physreva.88.045601
[4] Paschotta, R. (2024, July 29). Acousto-optic Deflectors. 2024 RP Photonics AG. https://www.rp-photonics.com/acousto_optic_deflectors.html