ELECTRON BEAM DISCHARGE DISTRIBUTION IN THE D-KDP CRYSTAL.
Abstract
The utilization of the linear electro-optic effect for light modulation employs certain types of uniaxial crystals in which the indices of refraction are changed with the application of an electric field, making the crystals biaxial. This phenomenon can be made to result in a rotation of a linearly polarized light vector proportional to the applied field. If an electron beam is used to create the field within the crystal, the rotation of the light vector can be achieved on a point by point basis for pictorial display purposes. In this application it is critical to know how small and defined this point can be made, which will ultimately determine the resolution capability of such a 'light valve.' This study analyzes the distribution of the deposited charge within the Potassium Di-deuterium Phosphate (D-KDP) crystal and its effect on the optical transmission. This is examined first by considering mathematical models with constant potential and also uniform current density distributions applied to the crystal surface. Secondly, experimental measurements are made on the optical distribution using an electron beam of measured current density distribution. The predicted and measured results with respect to maximum attainable optical resolution compared very closely. It can be concluded that the resolution capability of this display technique (up to 1000 lines) is not limited by the electro-optic or electrical characteristics of the bulk crystalline material. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1969
- Accession Number
- AD0685228
Entities
People
- Maris A. Sturans
Organizations
- Rome Laboratory