[Laser] Modulation by quartz xtal

[zl2tod]

> 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.

Acousto-optic modulation is used to modulate lasers for communications and
also for display purposes. The active cell (the crystal) is called a Bragg
cell. As I recall applying an RF feild to the crystal changes the refractive
index and allows the selection of specific wavelengths of light, a variety
of different frequencies allow the selection of different lines of light.

I think you will find some googling on some of these terms will enlighten
you somewhat.

regards
Mark
ZL2TOD