CO2 laser simulation of radiation-induced effects in an acousto-optic deflector

Abstract

A carbon dioxide laser was used to heat an acousto-optic deflector operating at the Bragg angle in order to simulate heating effects induced by linearly accelerated electron irradiation. Temperature gradients induced by the laser heating independently confirmed an earlier hypothesis advanced to explain radiation-induced spatial intensity shifts in acousto-optical deflectors and modulators. Acousto-optic (AO) devices are under consideration for a variety of space and terrestrial applications where radiation environments are present, and an understanding of the limitations of using AO devices in these environments is required.