Abstract

Our experiment demonstrates all-optical spatial light modulation at photon counting light levels with art off-the-shelf avalanche photodiode (APD). Modulation is performed with the APD operating as a Fizeau interferometer with refractive index modulated by optically-initiated, avalanche-induced heating. The avalanches were produced with the APD operating in the Geiger mode. Modulation of 12% is achieved with off-the-shelf devices. An optically optimized APD should have modulation of 90% or more.

© 1994 Optical Society of America