Patent ID: 6765709
Filing Date: 2004-07-20
Classification: G02F

Abstract:
For use with an acousto-optic device having at least one signal launch transducer coupled to the surface of an acousto-optic medium, and being adapted to receive electrical signals for modulating at least one acoustic wave launched into said acousto-optic medium, a method of compensating for thermal transient effects in said acousto-optic medium caused by the application of acoustic energy into said acousto-optic medium by said at least one signal launch transducer in response to said electrical signals, said method comprising the steps of:(a) coupling at least one electro-thermal element to said acousto-optic medium adjacent to said at least one signal launch transducer; and (b) applying electrical energy to said at least one electro-thermal element based on a comparator output as a function of prescribed level of electrical energy and electrical energy imparted to the acousto-optic medium by the at least one signal launch transducer; (c) introducing thermal energy into said acousto-optic medium adjacent to said at least one signal launch transducer; and (d) and causing the overall spatial distribution of thermal energy in said acousto-optic medium to conform with a prescribed characteristic.