Guided acoustic traveling wave lens for high-speed optical scanners.

Acoustic traveling wave lenses are useful devices to improve the performances of acoustooptical scanners and other optical scanners. A guided acoustic wave version of the traveling wave lens has been investigated for potential reduction of the power consumption of acoustic traveling wave lenses. Resolution gain as high as 35 has been demonstrated. The smallest focused spot which has been experimentally observed is less than 18 microm. Approximately a factor of 25 in device power saving is feasible over the bulk version devices. Smaller focal spot as well as higher resolution gain is possible according to the theoretical studies. To realize the ultimate guided acoustic traveling wave lens performances, a design procedure is outlined together with a list of potential materials for the optimal design of such devices.