<title>Multiple quantum well (MQW) spatial light modulators (SLMs) for optical data processing and beam steering</title>

Abstract

Resonant cavity Fabry-Perot structures with embedded multiple quantum well layers are used to create spatial light modulators for a number of signal processing and optical beam steering applications. A review of the SLM development including modulator design considerations, our general approach to modulator-driver integration, and array formats previously demonstrated, will be presented (linear arrays up to 2048X1 and two-dimensional arrays up to 256x256). Optical transitions in MQW structures are inherently fast ($GTR$GTRns switching times) so that SLMs based on these structures can exhibit high frame rates. The optical modulator is based on a p-i-n device design operated in a reverse bias mode. The speed of the array depends primarily on the speed of the drive electronics (based on the available CMOS or other electronic drivers), the impedance of the individual modulator device, and the scheme used to bring data into the hybrid modulator/driver module. The current drivers are based on mixed signal designs that use 0.5 square m high-voltage CMOS technology and a 50-MHz data rate. Several examples of the use of the modulators will be given, including the application of the SLMs to hyperspectral data processing and optical beam steering.