High performance AOTFs for the ultraviolet

This paper describes the development of UV AOTFs for extending the wavelength range to below 250 nm. Two types of UV AOTFs, developed include: (a) A KDP AOTF was operated without the use of polarizers. Performance tested at 253.7 nm includes: FWHM of 0.8 nm, diffraction efficiency of 50 percent at a drive power of 1.3 W. (b) A lower power MgF/sub 2/ AOTF was demonstrated by using acoustic resonance enhancement. Results obtained at 196 nm include a FWHM of 5.5 nm and a maximum diffraction efficiency of 78 percent.