Microchannel spatial light modulator

Abstract

A sensitive, high-speed, optically addressed spatial light modulator is being developed for real-time optical dataprocessing applications involving low-level-control light signals. This device is expected to have a sensitivity of better than 10(-3) microJ/cm(2), a framing rate of about 1 kHz, and a spatial resolution of approximately 20 line pairs/mm. The time response, sensitivity, spatial resolution, and other operating characteristics are being studied in a first-generation device; preliminary results are reported.