Acousto-optic spectrometer for radio astronomyRecent developments in acousto-optic techniques and in photodetector arrays have made feasible a new type of RF spectrometer, offering the advantages of wide bandwidth, high resolution, large number of channels in compact, lightweight, energy efficient, and relatively low cost systems. Such a system employs an acousto-optic diffraction cell which serves the key role of converting RF signals to ultrasonic traveling-waves modulating the optical index of the cell. The cell is illuminated across its aperture by a monochromatic laser beam. A fraction of the light is diffracted by the acoustic waves. A focusing lens follows the cell and essentially performs a Fourier transform of the RF signal into a far-field intensity pattern. CSIRO in Australia and the Tokyo Astronomical Observatory in Japan have taken the lead in using acousto-optic techniques in astronomical applications. The first practical device was successfully made at CSIRO for obtaining dynamical spectrographs of solar radio emission.
Document ID
19810053356
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Chin, G. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Buhl, D. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Florez, J. M. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Date Acquired
August 11, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1980
Subject Category
Instrumentation And Photography
Meeting Information
Meeting: 1980 International Optical Computing Conference