An acousto-optical deflection system for use with multi-laser arrays in optical memories

Proposals have been made to utilise arrays of GaAs lasers in optical computer memories. For fast, random access to data the use of acousto-optical deflectors seems feasible. The number of lasers for use with each deflector is normally severely limited, because of the bandwidth limitation which is inherent in acousto-optic devices. This note describes a technique whereby the bandwidth limitation can be largely overcome, so that light from many lasers can be deflected by a single deflector.