Sensitivity of a spectral device based on acousto-optic tunable filter

The possibilities to transmit maximum amount of information for spectral devices based on acousto-optic tunable filter (AOTF) are defined not only by the AOTF selectivity and, correspondingly, by the total amount of distinguished spectral intervals but also by the device threshold sensitivity. The necessary sensitivity estimation of the photosensitive components required to provide the device operation with given selectivity has been performed. We have also described the experimental investigations of the specially designed spectral device containing an AOTF as a monochromator component. The AOTF specially elaborated for this purpose provides selection of spectral intervals with bandpass of several nm, depending on its place in the total spectral range. Information characteristics of such spectral devices have been also discussed.