Polarization Features of a Spatial AO Filter Based on Diffraction in Two Symmetric Orders

Abstract

The polarization properties of a two-channel spatial AO filter based on diffraction into two symmetric Bragg orders have been studied. A regime is demonstrated where during Fourier processing of an image, the contours in different channels are formed in different polarizations and at different acoustic frequencies. This regime was confirmed experimentally on the basis of optical Fourier processing of an image transmitted by radiation with an optical wavelength of 0.63 μm. As a spatial frequency filter, an AO cell manufactured of paratellurite was used. This made it possible to form the image contour in one channel at a sound frequency of 34 MHz and in another channel at a frequency of 42 MHz.