Technical implementation of acousto-optical instruments: basic types

Abstract

Abstract The comparative analysis of the basic characteristics of acousto-optical instruments of different levels of integration and complexity: functional elements, devices and systems. The basic characteristics and their interrelations are determined. It is shown that each class requires individual approach to design. We indicate a novel trend of development of special class of instruments – modules, which are easy-to-integrate into existant devices or systems extending their functionality. The principle requirements for this kind of instruments are their connectivity with the device in each channel, port, protocol, so that the module adding and removing need not the device retuning or adjustment. This tendency has universal nature. The presented analysis is convinient for prognosing prospects and basic directions of acousto-optical instruments development.