12 Apr
2009
12 Apr
'09
6:03 p.m.
Yes, but mechanically moved mirrors aren't the
only option for beam
deflection. I seem to recall reading of a crystal whose index of
refraction could be changed electrically. A wedge of such a substance
could serve as a beam-deflecting element; I don't know how fast it
responds, but I'm fairly sure it's substantially faster than
mechanically moving a mirror.
Sounds like a Kerr cell. I think those switch in nanoseconds, maybe
less.
paul