Acousto-optic deflector

An acousto-optic deflector is a device that uses sound waves to control the direction of light beams. When sound waves travel through a special crystal, they create regions of varying density, which effectively bend or steer the light. This allows precise control over where the light goes, making it useful in applications like laser scanning, telecommunications, and imaging systems. By changing the frequency of the sound waves, you can quickly adjust the angle of the light beam, enabling rapid movements without moving parts, which enhances efficiency in various technologies.