Two-coordinate diffusion of optical beams by an acoustooptic Raman-Nath modulator based on a paratellurite crystal

Acoustooptic Raman-Nath diffraction by a standing acoustic wave in a paratellurite crystal is investigated. An acoustic line is made in the form of a polished cube and serves as a high-Q acoustic resonator. A slow shear wave is excited by a single piezoelectric transducer. Multiple lossless sound reflections lead to two-coordinate light diffusion. When the acoustic intensity introduced into the crystal is about 2 W/cm(2) at a sound frequency of 7 MHz, there appears a diffraction pattern in the form of a homogeneous light spot with a solid angle of about 0.5 sr. An explanation for the features of the acoustooptic interaction is given. It is shown that this type of diffraction is helpful in designing acoustooptic two-coordinate diffusers of light beams. (C) 2005 Pleiades Publishing, Inc.