Acousto-Optic Tunable Filters for Imaging Applications in the 2-4 μm with Low RF Drive Power

The $λ^{2}$ dependence on acoustic field intensity (and hence RF drive power) can render large aperture acousto-optic tunable filters impractical for many applications beyond about 2 μm. One potential technique for reducing the RF drive-power requirement is to configure an acousto-optic tunable filter such that the interaction region is at acoustic resonance. We describe an acousto-optic tunable filter that operates at resonance and present an analysis of the predicted performance. In addition, we address the practical issues in deploying such a scheme. Finally, we present results of a prototype "resonant acousto-optic tunable filter" operating in the 1-2 μm region.