We present a unified treatment of the diffraction properties of stratified volume holographic optical elements (SVHOE's). We show that the relative phasing of the diffraction orders as they propagate from layer to layer gives rise to a unique notched diffraction response of the +1 order (for the case of Bragg incidence) as a function of the normalized buffer-layer thickness, the grating spatial frequency, and the readout wavelength. For certain combinations of these parameters Bragg diffraction behavior characteristic of volume holographic optical elements (VHOE's) is observed, whereas for other combinations pure Raman-Nath behavior periodically recurs. By using these same relative-phasing arguments, the principal features of the periodic angular sensitivity of the +1 and-1 orders can be predicted. In addition to examining the fundamental aspects of SVHOE diffraction behavior, we discuss several possible applications, including optical array generation, spatial frequency filtering, and wavelength notch filtering. With the use of the SVHOE concept, holographic materials with otherwise exemplary characteristics that are currently available only in thin-film form can be used in structures designed either to access unique SVHOE diffraction properties or to emulate conventional VHOE's.
A computational algorithm for analyzing diffraction properties of optical devices, the optical beam propagation method, has suggested a new class of devices by which Bragg regime (thick grating) response can be obtained from a spaced sequence of thin grating layers. Such stratified volume holographic optical elements (SVHOE's) can emulate distributed volume gratings in terms of diffraction efficiency and angular selectivity and in addition possess periodic diffraction properties that might serve, for example, as interconnections for optical cellular logic arrays. SVHOE's also offer a unique capability for altering the device diffraction response on a layer-by-layer basis, allowing for control of both the diffraction peak width and the angular separation of adjacent peaks.
Theoretical predictions and experimental results on two slightly different kinds of linearized optical modulators for use in wideband analog transmission is presented. Both modulators are based on a cascade coupling of phase-modulated parallel wave guide sections. In both cases, 95 dB suppression of the 3rd harmonic of a single test tone with an optical modulation depth of 20% is theoretically obtained. Some initial experimental results are presented for both modulators.
An efficient and rigorous algorithm is proposed for analyzing the temporal response of the Bragg acoustooptic modulator in the high scattering efficiency regime. Computer studies of this model successfully predict pulse profile asymmetries that have been observed experimentally and cannot be predicted by the usual Green's function (small signal) models of the acoustooptic coupling. The technique of predistorting the electronic video signal by passing it through a nonlinear electronic network to linearize the modulator response is effective only for slowly varying video signals. Residual nonlinearities appear for rapidly varying video signals.
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