The diffraction of nonpolarized optical radiation by volume acoustic waves in lithium niobate crystal

The goal of the research was the development of a fast-acting acousto-optic modulator of nonpolarized light, aimed at pulse modulation of ytterbium fiber laser radiation with a wavelength of 1.06 $\mu$m. An original modulator design was proposed based on lithium niobate crystal using the crystal's inherent piezoelectric effect for excitation of volume acoustic waves. An optimal crystal cut was found which provides 90% diffraction efficiency at a driving power of around 1.5 W and a modulator response time of 0.1 $\mu$s.