Electrooptical Modulator. Volume 2.
Abstract
As a result of previous investigations, reported in Technical Report AFAL-TR-72-60, Volume 1 (AD-902 196), it was concluded that lithium tantalate was the best laser modulator material choice for use with a mode-locked Nd:YAG laser at both the fundamental 1.06 micrometer wavelength and the frequency doubled 0.53 micrometer wavelength at bit rates up to 1 Gbps. The purpose of this program was the evaluation of high purity lithium tantalate crystals grown by Crystal Technology Inc. (CTI), under AFAL contract F33615-72-C-1989. Each crystal sample was evaluated with respect to those parameters which most affect its potential usefulness for high speed modulator applications using a 0.53 micrometer or 1.06 micrometer mode-locked laser source. The data from each sample was supplied to Crystal Technology Inc. to be used as a basis for improvement in subsequent samples. The specific tests which were conducted on the samples included near field extinction patterns, Schlieren examinations, far field extinction ratio, transmission degradation, optical absorption, optical damage susceptibility, and dielectric loss tangent measurement. In general, the lithium tantalate growth effort has been highly successful in achieving its stated objectives. The lithium tantalate samples, which were received and evaluated during the contract period, demonstrated a steady improvement in optical quality, optical damage resistance, optical absorption, and dielectric loss.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1972
- Accession Number
- AD0908045
Entities
People
- J. R. Teague
- Louis B. Allen
- R. R. Rice
Organizations
- McDonnell Douglas