The invention relates to an acousto-optic deflector comprising a bulk of acousto-optic medium and acoustic wave generator coupled to the bulk, characterised by that the acoustic wave generator comprises at least two different electro-acoustic transducers for generating acoustic waves in the bulk.

A device can determine a distance to an object. The device can use the determined distance to vary a focal length of a first adjustable element so that the first adjustable element directs light from the object into a first waveguide and onto a detector, and forms an image of the object at the detector. The device can produce an image, such as augmented content, on a panel. The device can direct light from the panel into a second waveguide. The device can use the determined distance to vary a focal length of a second adjustable element so that the second adjustable element directs light out of the second waveguide and forms a virtual image of the panel in a plane coincident with the object. The device can operate as an augmented reality headset. The adjustable elements can be phase modulators, or acoustically responsive material with surface acoustic wave transducers.

A tunable acoustic gradient index of refraction (TAG) lens and system are provided that permit, in one aspect, dynamic selection of the lens output, including dynamic focusing and imaging. The system may include a TAG lens and at least one of a source and a detector of electromagnetic radiation. A controller may be provided in electrical communication with the lens and at least one of the source and detector and may be configured to provide a driving signal to control the index of refraction and to provide a synchronizing signal to time at least one of the source and the detector relative to the driving signal. Thus, the controller is able to specify that the source irradiates the lens (or detector detects the lens output) when a desired refractive index distribution is present within the lens, e.g. when a desired lens output is present.

In various embodiments, a beam-parameter adjustment system and focusing system alters a spatial power distribution of a radiation beams before the beam is coupled into an optical fiber or delivered to a workpiece.

An acousto-optic device is disclosed. The device comprises: an optically transmissive element to receive a beam of light at an input surface, the beam being received from a direction defining an optical axis; a set of acoustic transducers spaced around the element; and a controller operable to activate the transducers to generate an acoustic wave travelling through the device to intersect with the optical axis. The controller is further operable to selectively activate a first subset of the set of transducers such that the acoustic wave propagates in a selected direction. Each of the set of acoustic transducers is differently orientated such that the selected direction is controllable through the selection of first subset of transducers from the set of transducers, and the device is thereby operable to control the direction in which the beam of light is deflected in two dimensions. A method of operating the device is also disclosed.

An acousto-optic system may include a laser source, and an AOM coupled to the laser source and having an acousto-optic medium and transducer electrodes carried by the medium. The acousto-optic system may also include an interface board with a dielectric layer and signal contacts carried by the dielectric layer, and connections coupling respective signal contacts with respective transducer electrodes. Each connection may include a dielectric protrusion extending from the AOM, and an electrically conductive layer on the dielectric protrusion for coupling a respective transducer electrode to a respective signal contact.

Systems and methods are disclosed for bonding a plurality of transducers to an optical element by placing each transducer on a moveable pedestal mounted on a piston; temporarily securing each transducer to the moveable pedestal; applying an epoxy to a plurality of steps on a deflector surface; placing the piston with the transducers over the plurality of steps; actuating the piston and moving each moveable pedestal to contact the transducer with the epoxy; releasing the transducer from the moveable pedestal; and curing the epoxy to secure the transducer to the steps.

A leaky-mode acousto-optical modulator may be used to generate visual images suitable for direct viewing, without image-forming optics. To extend a field of view of the modulator to limits suitable for visual displays, an array of acoustic transducers is coupled to a waveguide along its length. Each acoustic transducer generates an acoustic wave causing a corresponding leaky mode to appear. A reflector is disposed proximate each transducer for directing the out-coupled light portion at a unique angle, providing a corresponding field of view portion for that direction. The field of view portions coalesce into a continuous synthetic field of view suitable for wide-angle visual display applications.