An acousto-optic modulator (AOM) is a crystal in which an ultrasonic wave creates a diffraction grating for a light beam. In reception area architecture, AOM panels are embedded into façade glazing, switching transparency, colour temperature and light transmittance within milliseconds. This is the next step beyond electrochromic glass: switching speed is 1,000 times faster and energy consumption 5 times lower.
How AOM Panels Work
Inside a TeO₂ (tellurium dioxide) or LiNbO₃ (lithium niobate) crystal, a piezoelectric transducer generates an acoustic wave at 40–200 MHz. The wave forms a periodic structure that deflects transmitted light at a precise angle. By controlling frequency and amplitude, the system adjusts the spectral composition and intensity — from full transmittance to 85% dimming.
Switching time: 1–5 microseconds — instant to the human eye. Angular aperture: ±3°. Working wavelength range: 350–2,000 nm (UV to near-IR). Power consumption: 0.3–1.2 W per 600×600 mm panel.
Reception Area Applications
For lobby façade glazing, AOM panels solve three challenges simultaneously. Glare protection: automatic dimming of sun-facing panels via lux sensor data. Energy saving: blocking the IR band reduces cooling load by 30–40%. Privacy: instant switch to opaque mode at the administrator's button press.
Decoratively, AOM panels create dynamic lighting scenarios: 'sunrise' in the morning (warm 2,700 K), 'daylight' (5,000 K), 'sunset' in the evening (3,000 K with amber tint). Scenarios are programmed via the building automation system and synchronised with interior lobby lighting.
Specifications and Pricing
Panel size: standard 600×600 mm, maximum 1,200×600 mm. Glazing unit thickness with AOM module: 28–34 mm. Weight: 18–24 kg/m². Protection class: IP44 (façade use). Operating temperature: −30…+60 °C. Control interface: DALI-2 / KNX / Ethernet.
AOM panel 600×600 mm: from $450. Lobby façade glazing 40 m² (including controller and installation): from $12,000. Crystal lead time: 6–8 weeks. Installation: 5–7 working days. Warranty: 10 years on optic module.