Rayleigh-equivalent resolution of acoustooptic deflection cells

Design relationships for acousto-optic scanning systems

We develop the general scanning relationships of an acousto-optic system by using both a purely geometric-optics and a physical-optics approach; each approach provides useful insights into the scanning relationships. The diffraction approach reveals that there are four basic scanning configurations: a long or short chirp scanner, either aperture or repetition-rate limited. The throughput rate for a scanner is always maximized if we use the short-chirp-scanning, repetition-rate-limited mode of operation. The maximum rate may be achieved with other configurations, but at the expense of a decrease in some of the other performance parameters. Examples are given of how these design relationships are used.