Spectral Imaging Experiments with Various Optical Schemes Based on the Same AOTF

Spectral image filtration by means of acousto-optical tunable filters (AOTFs) has multiple applications. For its implementation, a few different optical schemes are in use. They differ in image quality, number of coupling components, dimensions and alignment complexity. To choose the optical system of AOTF-based spectral imager properly, many factors have to be considered. Though various schemes of acousto-optic (AO) filtration have been tested and discussed, their comparative analysis has not been reported up to now. In this study, we assembled the four most popular schemes (confocal, collimating, tandem and double-path) using the same AO cells and experimentally compared their main features. Depending on the application, each scheme may be the basis of compact cost-effective spectral imaging devices.