Abstract

Recently, there has been a great deal of interest in the use of avalanche photodiodes (APD) for spatial light modulation.^1,2,3 We report improved performance of our all-optical spatial light modulation with an avalanche photodiode. Modulation is performed with the APD operating as an asymmetric Fizeau interferometer with refractive index modulated by optically-initiated, avalanche-induced heating. Modulation of 80 % is achieved with optically optimized APDs. We demonstrate multiple-pixel operation, as well as free-carrier induced modulation.

© 1995 Optical Society of America