Acousto-optic modulators (AOM) are used to control laser beam intensity.

This can be simple ON:OFF modulation for fast switching or variable level modulation to provide proportional intensity control. These modes are determined by the RF driver type; digital or analog modulation respectively (or a combination of both).

The RF drive frequency is typically fixed and the RF amplitude is modulated accordingly.

The optical rise and fall time is defined by the laser beam diameter in the AOM and the crystal acoustic velocity. For high modulation rates, the beam will need to be focused at the AOM.

Choose the type of modulator from the list on the left.