Characterization of an 18-channel TIR modulator for printing applications

Yalan Mao; Ferdynand P. Dabkowski; Hong Po; Aland K. Chin

doi:10.1117/12.277761

7 July 1997 Characterization of an 18-channel TIR modulator for printing applications

Yalan Mao, Ferdynand P. Dabkowski, Hong Po, Aland K. Chin

Proceedings Volume 3131, Optical Scanning Systems: Design and Applications; (1997) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.277761
Event: Optical Science, Engineering and Instrumentation '97, 1997, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

A multiple channel optical modulator provides a means of parallel information processing and enables fast laser printing. We have studied a multiple channel optical modulator utilizing total internal reflection (TIR) and the electro- optical properties of LiTaO₃ crystals. We characterized the multichannel TIR modulator by illuminating it separately with a source of a single mode coherent radiation (a Ti:Sapphire laser), and with a source of multimode radiation (a laser diode). The best contrast ratio (on/off intensity ratio) is 100:1, and a contrast ratio of 20:1 is achieved at a driving voltage as low as 60 V. No significant cross-talk has been observed at a modulation frequency of 10 Hz. We found that the response of the modulator is very strongly influenced by the spatial coherence of the illumination source. We also found the presence of a photorefractive effect induced by the high power density of the impinging light beam. This photorefractive effect is not permanent, and can be recovered if the laser illumination is removed for a period of time.

Citation Download Citation

Yalan Mao, Ferdynand P. Dabkowski, Hong Po, and Aland K. Chin "Characterization of an 18-channel TIR modulator for printing applications", Proc. SPIE 3131, Optical Scanning Systems: Design and Applications, (7 July 1997); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.277761

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KEYWORDS

Modulators

Semiconductor lasers

Modulation

Nonimpact printing

Crystals

Photorefraction

Optical modulators

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