Latest developments in crystal growth and characterization of efficient acousto-optic materials

Mercurous halides have become the subject of great interest because of their very high acousto-optic figure of merit and large transmission range. These crystals have unique acousto-optic properties that make possible a variety of high performance devices for signal processing and spectral processing and analysis, particularly in the mid- and long-wavelength infrared region. Mercurous chloride is the most developed in this class and large crystals have been grown by the physical vapor transport method. Current research is attempting to extend the efficiency of devices using the mercurous halides. The authors' research centers on purification methods, determining the factors that affect optical quality and improving the process of single crystal growth.