An Acousto-Optic Polarization-Insensitive Two-Coordinate Deflector

A new scheme of a polarization-independent two-coordinate acousto-optic deflector based on paratellurite crystals has been developed. One specific feature of the optical scheme is the use of only three single crystals without additional phase plates. A practical model of a deflector for a light wavelength of 1.06 μm, which provides a total efficiency of more than 80%, has been created. This device became the basic element in a switch for unpolarized fiber-optic channels with a switching algorithm of 1 to 25. The main parameters are as follows: the total loss ranges from 3.8 to 5.3 dB, the isolation between channels is from –45 to –60 dB, and the switching time is 7 μm.