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glossary
Quality factor ( acousto optic ): parameter determining the interaction regime of a light wave with an acousto optic component crossed by an acoustic wave ; the interaction is the Raman Nath regime when the quality factor is far below 1 and the Bragg regime when it is far above 1
Wavelength ( of a light wave ): distance between two consecutive identical states of the electric ( or magnetic ) field
Refraction index: for a transparent medium, ratio between the light speed in the air and the light speed in the medium ; for a reflective surface in the air or vacuum, the refraction index is « - 1 »
Acoustic frequency: frequency of an acoustic wave
Acoustic velocity: propagation speed of an acoustic wave
Acousto optic effect: diffraction of light in a material in which propagates an acoustic wave generating periodic variations in refractive index
Interaction length ( acousto optic ): in an acousto optic crystal, defines the length of the zone perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the acoustic wave in which the interaction between acoustic and light waves occurs
