Lab Equipment for Teaching Physics

Note: oscilloscope not included

Features

• Including He-Ne laser with power supply

• Precise optical alignment

• Observe and measure electro-optic modulation waveform

  
  

• Electro-optic modulation technique demo

  
  

Introduction

The LEOI-34 Experimental System for Electro-Optic Modulation is designed to demonstrate the electro-optic effect in a crystal, where the refractive index of the material changes in response to an applied electric field. The system uses a LiNbO₃ (Lithium Niobate) crystal, known for exhibiting the Pockels effect (a linear electro-optic effect) and, to a lesser extent, the Kerr effect (a quadratic electro-optic effect).

The Pockels effect is the main phenomenon utilized in this apparatus, where the refractive index of the crystal changes linearly with the applied electric field. This effect allows for precise control over the polarization and intensity of light, making it a powerful tool in fields such as optical communication, modulation, and laser technology.

This system helps students understand the principles of the electro-optic effect, measure key parameters such as the half-wave voltage and electro-optic coefficient, and observe changes in the optical properties of the crystal under the influence of an electric field.

Using the LEOI-34 Experimental System for Electro-Optic Modulation, the following experiments can be conducted:

1. Electro-Optic Modulation Waveform:

   Display and analyze the electro-optic modulation waveform, showing how the electric field modulates the light passing through the crystal.

2. Observation of Electro-Optic Modulation Phenomenon:

   Observe the modulation phenomenon in the LiNbO₃ crystal under an applied electric field, demonstrating the interaction between the crystal's refractive index and the electric field.

3. Measurement of Half-Wave Voltage:

   Measure the half-wave voltage of the electro-optic crystal, which is essential for understanding the required voltage to achieve full modulation of the light wave.

4. Calculation of Electro-Optic Coefficient:

   Calculate the electro-optic coefficient, which is a measure of the sensitivity of the crystal’s refractive index to the applied electric field.

5. Demonstration of Optical Communication:

   Demonstrate the use of electro-optic modulation in optical communication systems, showing how this technique is employed to modulate light for transmitting information.

The instruction manual contains comprehensive materials including experimental configurations, principles and step-by-step instructions. Please click Experiment Theory and Contents to find more information about this apparatus.

Specifications

Part List