Abstract

Bulk Acoustic Waves Backward Reflection in Acousto-Optic Materials Paratellurite and Calomel

N.V.Polikarpova, V.B.Voloshinov (Department of Oscillation Physics, Faculty of Physics, Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia)

e-mail: volosh@osc162.phys. msu.su

The paper describes results on research of acoustic propagation and relection at a free boundary in the single crystals of paratellurite and calomel. The acousto-optic materials of tellurium dioxide and mercury chloride are characterized by the extremely strong anisotropy of their elastic properties. The anisotropy results in the bulk waves propagation with the obliquity angles, i.e. the angles between the acoustic phase and group velocities, as large as 70-74 degrees. It was found that the reflection of the eastic waves at a free boundary in XY plane of the crystals may be accompanied by a peculiar backward reflection of the acoustic energy so that the reflection of the acoustic energy is observed approximately in the direction of the incident wave propagation. As found, the angle between the incident and the reflected energy flows in the crystals may be as small as 5-10 degrees. Application of the examined phenomena in Acousto-Optics is discussed in the paper. Obvious advantages of acousto-optic instruments designed on base of the examined wave phenomena are also considered in the report.

Section : 9