There are two main categories of AOM drivers, each with its strengths and applications:

RF Drivers: The All-in-One Workhorses

• Description:These are the most widely used AOM drivers. They act as a one-stop shop for signal processing within your AOM system.
• Function: An RF driver performs both amplification and conversion. It takes the electrical control signal, often a weak analog voltage from your function generator. Then, it amplifies this signal to the necessary power level required by the AOM's piezoelectric transducer. Simultaneously, the RF driver converts the amplified signal from analog voltage into a radio frequency (RF) electrical signal. This RF signal is the language the transducer understands and can effectively utilize.
• Benefits:RF drivers offer simplicity and convenience. They eliminate the need for a separate signal generator, making the AOM setup more compact and easier to manage. Additionally, since the driver is designed to work with a specific range of operating frequencies, it ensures optimal compatibility with your AOM crystal for efficient light manipulation.

Broadband RF Amplifiers: Flexibility with an Extra Step

• Description: These AOM drivers take a different approach. They specialize in pure amplification.
• Function: A broadband RF amplifier assumes you already have a separate signal generator that provides the desired RF signal at the correct frequency for your AOM crystal. The amplifier's role is to take this pre-generated RF signal and boost its power to the level needed by the AOM's transducer.
• Benefits: Broadband RF amplifiers offer flexibility. Since they don't perform any frequency conversion, they can work with a wider range of RF frequencies. This allows you to choose a signal generator with a broader frequency range, potentially providing more precise control over your light manipulation. However, this flexibility comes at the cost of needing an additional piece of equipment (the signal generator) in your AOM setup.

Choosing the Right Driver:

The selection between an RF driver and a broadband RF amplifier depends on your specific needs. If you prioritize simplicity and compatibility with a specific AOM crystal, an RF driver is the ideal choice. If you require more flexibility in choosing the operating frequency and have the additional equipment (signal generator), a broadband RF amplifier might be a suitable option.