An electro-optic light-beam deflector

An electronically-controlled light beam deflector has been devised and its performance characteristics have been evaluated. The deflector is an iterated prism device utilizing as the active element, the elector-optic material potassium dideuterium phosphate (KD*P) cooled to near its Curie temperature (∼210°K). This deflection scheme was developed in connection with an experimental and theoretical study of random access laser display techniques. Deflection sensitivity, resolution, frequency response, and the effect of piezoelectric resonances have been measured. In addition, experimental and theoretical results pertaining to the limitations imposed by dissipative processes and the attendant non-uniform temperature distribution within the electro-optic material are considered. These results provide a means of estimating the ultimate capability of electro-optic prism deflectors. The extension of the resolution capabilities of this type of deflector by means of supplementary binary deflection stages is also considered.