Fast Scanning Synchronous Luminescence Spectrometer Based on Acousto-Optic Tunable Filters

Abstract

A new luminescence spectrometer based on quartz-collinear acousto-optic tunable filters (AOTFs) and capable of synchronous scanning is described. An acousto-optic tunable filter is an electronically tunable optical bandpass filter. Unlike a tunable grating monochromator, an AOTF has no moving mechanical parts, and an AOTF can be tuned to any wavelength within its operating range in microseconds. These characteristics, combined with the small size of these devices, make AOTFs an important new alternative to conventional monochromators, especially for portable instrumentation. The relevant performance of the AOTFs (efficiency, bandwidth, rejection, etc.) is compared with that of typical small-grating monochromator.