[Laser] Modulation by quartz xtal

[James D. Goodwin]

I was recently given several xtals in glass holders.  They are in the 6 =
and 11 MHz range. A laser beam can be reflected from the quartz element =
or passed through the element. It also can be reflected off the metal =
strips that hold the xtal wafer.

I have attempted to detect rf modulation on a laser beam passed through =
an oscillating xtal.  So far - no success. I have swept a wide span of =
frequencies in this test.

>From research on the 'net I know that quartz is used to modify laser =
beams in several ways.  Will the motion of the thin wafer in these =
oscillating xtals affect the beam? If so, will the beam be modulated =
with the exact frequency of the xtal or some other frequency? I am =
setting up to test a xtal that is frequency modulated like those xtals =
in the early 2-meter rigs.  If a modulated laser beam can be detected, =
it could be amplified and multiplied so there would be adequate f.m. =
swing to produce n.b.f.m. or even wideband f.m.

Ideas anyone? Detection techniques?  It may be that I am trying to =
invent the wheel only to find that it is square!=20

KF4BL





 Any help with these questions will be appreciated:
1. Does the vibrating xtal affect the laser beam?
2. If so, what type of modu


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