The effect of light diffraction by acoustic wave is widely used in the Acousto-Optic (AO) Devices. Typically, ultrasonic wave is generated with LiNbO3 piezotranducer bonded to AO crystal. The intensity, direction, and wavelength of the diffracted light are related with power and frequency of RF signal applied to piezotransducer. The following AO devices can be produced: modulators, deflectors, A-O tunable filters (AOTFs), laser Q-switches, and RF spectrum analyzers.
   Laser quality Tellurium Dioxide (TeO₂ or Paratellurite) is an excellent piezo-optical material. It is extensively used because of it's high acousto-optical figure of merit in making acousto-optical modulators, imaging devices, splitters, deflectors, tunable polarisation filters, radio frequency spectral analysers and other acousto-optoelectronic equipment for laser radiation control. TeO₂ crystals are grown by the Czochralsky method. It has higher damage threshold and better optical quality if compared with TeO₂ crystals grown by some other methods.
   Lead Molybdate (PbMoO₄ or PM) crystal is one of the most efficient materials used for acousto-optic devices. It has been extensively used for acousto-optic modulators, deflectors and phase-shifters. Crystals of Lead Molybdate with the diameter of up to 60 mm and 60 - 80 mm in length are grown by the Czochralsky-Kyropulos method. Lead Molybdate AO elements possess low optical losses, high optical homogeneity, stability to laser radiation. High crystal homogeneity also allows vacuum thermo - pressure bonding for large aperture devices.