Selecting the right fiber-coupled AOM for your application requires careful consideration of several factors. Here's a breakdown of some crucial aspects to keep in mind:

 

  • Center Wavelength:Fiber-coupled AOMs are designed to operate efficiently at specific wavelength ranges. It's essential to choose an AOM that is compatible with the center wavelength of your light source (laser). Mismatched wavelengths can lead to reduced modulation efficiency and degraded performance. Most manufacturers specify the operational wavelength range for their fiber-coupled AOMs.

 

  • Modulation Frequency: The AOM's modulation frequency range determines how fast it can switch the light beam on and off or modulate its intensity. Consider the speed of modulation required for your application. If you need high-speed switching for tasks like pulse picking in fiber lasers, you'll need an AOM with a high modulation frequency bandwidth.

 

  • Fiber Type: Fiber-coupled AOMs come with specific fiber connector types at the input and output ports. Ensure these connectors are compatible with your existing fiber optic setup. Common fiber types used include SM1950 for single-mode operation at 1950 nm wavelength and others depending on the application.

 

  • Rise Time: The rise time of a fiber-coupled AOM specifies how quickly it can respond to changes in the electrical signal driving the sound wave. This parameter directly affects the achievable modulation speed. For applications requiring fast switching, a lower rise time AOM is preferred.