Abstract: Results are prevented from studying the propagation and refraction patterns of bulk acoustic waves in acousto-optic crystals. The strong anisotropy of the elastic properties of the considered materials is responsible for new effects that cannot be achieved in isotropic media. Ways of using the acoustic anisotropy of crystals in acousto-optic devices are discussed, along with the advantages of such devices over similar ones in which this anisotropy is not crucial. © 2020, Allerton Press, Inc.