Effects of electric matching circuit parameters on the acousto-optic mode locker functioning

Abstract

Acousto-optic (AO) modulator applying standing acoustic wave and utilized for active laser mode locking is prone to temperature fluctuations, which result in operation efficiency deviations. In this study we examine the effects of electrical matching circuit characteristics on the parameters of acoustic resonances and AO diffraction in the AO cell both theoretically and experimentally. The ways to utilize this effect for compensation of the thermal influence on AO diffraction are outlined. Our analysis allows broadening the temperature and power domains of an AO mode lockers reliable operation without adding special temperature stabilization system.