Abstract

Phase modulation is becoming an increasingly popular means of manipulating light in applications from image processing to optically transparent switching. All of these applications have similar demands on the spatial light modulator in terms of optical quality, light efficiency and frame rate. We have designed and fabricated a spatial light modulator specifically for high-speed phase modulation, with the minimum of fabrication steps and optimised device parameters. This device is intended for several applications and offers a compromise between the phase modulation requirements. Attributes demonstrated so far include ease of fabrication, high frame rate and high light efficiency.

© 1999 Optical Society of America