Uniform response high resolution tunable optical filtering using a grating-assisted acousto-optic device

A new filtering technique is proposed that associates the high dispersion of standard reflection gratings with the tuning speed of acousto-optic cells. Tuning is performed by adjusting the grating period so that the chosen wavelength is at Bragg resonance. In this way, the selected wavelength always experiences a maximum diffraction efficiency, ensuring good uniformity. Using a commercial acousto-optic modulator, a wavelength selectivity of 0.075 nm is demonstrated together with a uniformity of ±0.2 dB on a tuning range of 2.2 nm corresponding to N = 30 resolvable frequencies. N > 600 could be obtained with an acousto-optic cell specially designed for this device.