Acousto-Optic Modulators (AOM) for Fiber Sensing
Fiber-coupled acousto-optic modulators for optical pulse shaping and intensity switching in distributed sensing — convert CW laser light into nanosecond pulses for DAS/DVS interrogation, with 1550 nm models at 80–200 MHz, integrated driver options, and 1064 nm PM variants for ultrafast and LiDAR systems.
- 1550 nm C-band Standard wavelength for DAS/DVS/DTS
- 10–30 ns rise time Fast pulse edges for sensing
- 80 / 200 MHz RF Match your DAQ clock & pulse plan
- AOM + driver Integrated PM modules available
AOM Products by Application
1550 nm Fiber-Coupled AOM for DAS & DVS
The workhorse modulators for distributed acoustic and vibration sensing — pair with a narrow-linewidth 1550 nm laser, RF driver and DAS integration module to generate gated optical pulses along sensing fiber.
Integrated AOM + Driver Modules
Polarization-maintaining acousto-optic modulator with built-in RF driver in one compact package — simpler wiring and stable performance vs split AOM + driver assemblies for OEM chassis and field instruments.
1064 nm Fiber Acousto-Optic Modulators
PM and SM fiber AOMs at 1064 nm for optical switching, frequency shifting and seed selection in ultrafast laser systems — 80, 100 and 200 MHz center frequencies.
532 nm / 780 nm Fiber AOM
Polarization-maintaining acousto-optic modulator at 532 nm or 780 nm, 80 MHz — for visible and near-IR labs; optional driver module available on request.
How to Choose an Acousto-Optic Modulator
- Building a standard 1550 nm DAS or DVS system? AOM-1550-80-A (80 MHz, ~30 ns rise, SM fiber) is the common choice — matches many DAS integration modules and AWG/DAQ clock schemes. Use TTL modulation input with a matched RF driver.
- Need faster pulse edges or 200 MHz operation? G-1550-200-L-D-T-AA-G3-T-L offers 200 MHz center frequency with ~10 ns rise time for higher repetition-rate or shorter pulse applications.
- Want AOM and driver in one box? SGTF80-1550 integrated PM module (80M/200M options) reduces assembly complexity for OEM builds.
- Working at 1064 nm (Yb ultrafast or LiDAR)? Choose PM variants (GY-1064-80/100/200-PM-A) for polarization-sensitive paths, or GY-1064-100-A for standard SM fiber at 100 MHz.
- Already using a dedicated DTS pulsed laser? Raman DTS often uses a nanosecond pulsed laser (NSFL-30) rather than CW laser + AOM — see DTS Applications for architecture.
- Complete DAS stack? Combine AOM with UNL laser, EDFA, DAQ card and DAS module — see How to Build a DAS System.
What Are Acousto-Optic Modulators?
An acousto-optic modulator (AOM) uses an RF acoustic wave in a crystal (e.g. TeO₂) to diffract and switch laser light — enabling fast intensity modulation, optical gating and frequency shifting. In distributed fiber sensing, a CW narrow-linewidth laser passes through the AOM to produce nanosecond optical pulses interrogating the fiber; pulse width and repetition rate depend on RF frequency and drive timing, coordinated with the DAQ acquisition card.
YB Photonics supplies fiber-coupled AOMs at 1550 nm (DAS/DVS), integrated AOM+driver modules, 1064 nm PM/SM variants for ultrafast systems, and 532/780 nm options — designed to integrate with our laser modules, DAS hardware and EDFA amplifiers for long-range sensing links.
Key Specifications to Compare
| Parameter | Why it matters | Typical range in this category |
|---|---|---|
| Wavelength | Must match laser and sensing link | 1550 nm (C-band); 1064 nm; 532/780 nm |
| RF frequency | Pulse plan & DAQ/AOM clock alignment | 80 MHz (AOM-1550-80-A); 200 MHz (G-1550-200) |
| Rise / fall time | Minimum achievable optical pulse width | ~10 ns (200 MHz) to ~30 ns (80 MHz typical) |
| Extinction ratio | On/off contrast for clean pulses | ≥50 dB (1550 nm models typical) |
| Fiber type | SM vs PM for polarization-sensitive paths | SMF-28e FC/APC; PM fiber on GY-1064-PM series |
| Integration | Split AOM + driver vs all-in-one | Separate device + RF driver, or SGTF integrated module |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is an AOM needed for DAS but not always for DTS?
- DAS/DVS typically gates a CW coherent laser into short pulses via AOM (or built-in AOM in an integration module). Raman DTS often uses a dedicated high-peak pulsed laser such as NSFL-30 instead of CW + external AOM — different optical architecture.
- 80 MHz vs 200 MHz — which should I choose?
- Match your system design: many DAS modules and DAQ cards are specified around 80 MHz RF pulses; 200 MHz (G-1550-200) suits shorter rise time and higher-rate schemes. Confirm compatibility with your demodulation hardware before ordering.
- Does the AOM include an RF driver?
- Standard fiber-coupled AOMs (AOM-1550-80-A, G-1550-200) require a separate RF driver power supply (typically +24 V, TTL modulation). The SGTF80-1550 integrated module combines AOM and driver in one package.
- Which YB Photonics products pair with a 1550 nm AOM?
- Typical stack: UNL-1550-3-20 laser, AOM, optional EDFA, DAS DAQ card, and DAS integration module or all-in-one host.