Abstract

The KDP rod in an electrooptic light modulator is heated uniformly in its cross section by the rf field but is cooled only at the surface. Therefore, a radial thermal gradient exists in the rod. We show experimentally and analytically that this gradient degrades the performance of the device when operated as an intensity modulator. For example, about 2 W dissipated in a cylindrical KDP rod of any dimensions will reduce the degree of intensity modulation by one half. The sources and effects of random-phase retardation are also considered briefly.

© 1964 Optical Society of America

Electrooptic Light Modulators

I. P. Kaminow and E. H. Turner
Appl. Opt. 5(10) 1612-1628 (1966)

Electrooptic Effect in Optically Active Crystals

C. F. Buhrer, L. Ho, and J. Zucker
Appl. Opt. 3(4) 517-521 (1964)

The Dielectric and Electrooptical Properties of a Molecular Crystal–Hexamine

G. H. Heilmeier
Appl. Opt. 3(11) 1281-1287 (1964)

Balanced Optical Discriminator

I. P. Kaminow
Appl. Opt. 3(4) 507-510 (1964)

The Linear Electrooptic (Pockels) Effect in Cubic Crystals; Wide Angle Light Intensity Modulation

R. W. Lee
Appl. Opt. 8(7) 1385-1392 (1969)