Anisotropic acoustooptic modulator of nonpolarized light based on diffraction by a slow acoustic wave in a paratellurite crystal

The problem of anisotropic Bragg diffraction of nonpolarized light by a slow acoustic wave in a TeO₂ crystal is solved. Two independent acoustic waves are excited in the crystal. Nonpolarized light splits in the crystal into two orthogonally polarized eigenmodes, either diffracting by its associated acoustic beam. Conditions under which the angles of incidence and diffraction are the same for both diffraction processes are found. Depending on the acoustic frequency, the diffracted light at the exit from the crystal may be represented either by a single nonpolarized beam or by two orthogonally polarized beams with different directions and orthogonal polarizations. This may provide a high diffraction efficiency (up to 100%) for nonpolarized light in a TeO₂ crystal. Theoretical calculations are supported by experiments. Modulators capable of controlling a high-power laser operating at a wavelength of 1.06 μm are fabricated.