Laser beam deflection by frequency shifting

A new type of beam scanner has been developed which utilizes frequency shifting of a laser beam followed by deflection of the beam in a dispersive element. Theoretical considerations involve the maximization of the frequency shift and number of resolvable spots. An experimental deflector has been constructed which employs a mode-locked 0.633 μm He-Ne laser, lithium-niobate frequency shifter, and a Fabry-Perot dispersion element. Scans of 15 resolvable spots have been obtained with a theoretical access time of 18.5 ns.