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GoPhotonics has expanded its portfolio of Acousto-Optic Tunable Filters (AOTFs), featuring a diverse range of high-performance solutions from leading manufacturers. These solid-state devices are engineered to deliver rapid, precise, and electronically controlled wavelength tuning across the visible to near-infrared (NIR) spectrum.

Designed for flexibility and reliability, the featured AOTFs provide high spectral resolution, fast switching speeds, and efficient optical performance. Supporting both free-space and fiber-coupled configurations, they are well-suited for applications such as hyperspectral imaging, fluorescence spectroscopy, optical sensing, laser tuning, and industrial process monitoring.

Sintec Optronics STBR-TEAF_-1.2-2.0_: Broadband NIR AOTF for Industrial Spectroscopy

The STBR-TEAF_-1.2-2.0_ from Sintec Optronics is a Tellurium Dioxide (TeO₂)-based AOTF designed for near-infrared operation from 1200 nm to 2000 nm. It supports RF drive frequencies between 50 MHz and 90 MHz and offers an optical aperture ranging from 3 mm x 3 mm to 10 mm x 10 mm.

With a spectral resolution of 4 nm to 16 nm and an acceptance angle of up to 8.56°, the device ensures flexible optical alignment and efficient spectral filtering. It delivers a diffraction efficiency of 25% to 35% and supports both free-space and fiber-coupled outputs. This AOTF is particularly suited for industrial and process control applications, including NIR spectroscopy and real-time material analysis.

Gooch & Housego AOTF 2986-01: High-Precision Filter with Superior Out-of-Band Suppression

The AOTF 2986-01 from G&H operates across a wavelength range of 640 nm to 1100 nm and features a 2.5 mm active aperture. Utilizing TeO₂ crystal technology, it supports both vertical and horizontal polarization states.

This device incorporates patented side lobe suppression technology to achieve excellent out-of-band rejection, ensuring high spectral purity. It operates within an RF frequency range of 48 MHz to 86 MHz, with a narrow RF bandpass of 280 kHz. Additional features include low insertion loss (≤3%), high beam collinearity (minimum deviation of 0.01°), and minimal temperature sensitivity of 0.05 nm/°C, making it ideal for precision spectroscopy and laser-based systems.

ModuOptik TF2001-TS025-400_1000: Fiber-Coupled AOTF for Broadband Applications

The TF2001-TS025-400_1000 from ModuOptik is a fiber-coupled TeO₂ AOTF covering a broad spectral range from 400 nm to 1000 nm. It features a 2.5 mm aperture and a spectral bandwidth of less than 10 nm.

With transmission exceeding 94% and diffraction efficiency above 40%, the device ensures high optical throughput. It operates across an RF frequency range of 55 MHz to 200 MHz and supports shear and off-axis acoustic modes. Designed with a compact aluminum housing and SMA-F connector, it offers robust thermal management through conduction cooling.

This AOTF is ideal for demanding applications such as quantum electronics, hyperspectral imaging, fluorescence spectroscopy, optical communications, and wavelength selection in tunable laser systems.

Photon Lines AOTFnC-400.650: Fast-Tuning AOTF for Visible Imaging Applications

The AOTFnC-400.650 from Photon Lines is a tunable bandpass AOTF operating in the visible spectrum from 400 nm to 650 nm. It features an active aperture of 3 mm x 3 mm and a field of view of 1°.

This linearly polarized AOTF delivers rapid tuning speeds of less than 4 µs, along with a spectral resolution of 1 nm to 4 nm and high efficiency of up to 85%. These characteristics make it particularly effective for high-speed fluorescence imaging, AOTF-based spectrometers, and multispectral imaging systems requiring fast and precise wavelength switching.

Brimrose QZAF-20-40: Robust AOTF for Spectroscopy and Sensing

The QZAF-20-40 from Brimrose Corporation is a solid-state acousto-optic tunable filter designed for reliable operation in spectroscopy and sensing environments. Known for its rugged construction and stable performance, it provides efficient wavelength selection without moving parts, ensuring durability in both laboratory and industrial settings.

Its design supports rapid electronic tuning and consistent optical performance, making it suitable for applications such as chemical analysis, environmental monitoring, and process control.

Enabling Next-Generation Photonic Systems

Together, these AOTF solutions demonstrate the growing versatility and performance of acousto-optic technologies in modern photonics. By enabling fast, programmable, and precise wavelength selection across wide spectral ranges, these devices empower engineers and researchers to develop advanced optical systems for applications ranging from biomedical imaging and spectroscopy to industrial inspection and optical communications.

Click here to learn more about acousto-optic tunable filters.