Circular-scan optical deflectors are described that do not require a polarization rotator between the deflecting elements. The elements can be of the split-prism type, in which a uniform electric field is applied to a split prism of electro-optic material, or of the quadrupole-field type, in which a linear gradient of electric field is applied, via quadrupole electrodes, to a single rod of material. When the material is potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP), a scan system composed of two quadrupole deflectors promises to be more attractive than a system composed of two prism deflectors, because the required drive voltage is lower, and the power dissipated within the electro-optic material is reduced by a factor of 2. At high scan frequencies, the choice will depend strongly on the relative ease of correcting the heat-induced aberrations of each system.

You do not have subscription access to this journal. Citation lists with outbound citation links are available to subscribers only. You may subscribe either as an OSA member, or as an authorized user of your institution.

Contact your librarian or system administrator
or
Log in to access OSA Member Subscription

You do not have subscription access to this journal. Cited by links are available to subscribers only. You may subscribe either as an OSA member, or as an authorized user of your institution.

Contact your librarian or system administrator
or
Log in to access OSA Member Subscription