Two-dimensional phase-only light modulation has aroused a great deal of interest in many areas, such as optical correlation, optical interconnection, optical manipulation, laser processing, microscope, ophthalmoscope and holographic measurement. As a result, there is a strong call for a spatial phase-only light modulator for these applications.
In order to provide a practical device, we have finished developing an LCoS-SLM at Central Research Lab. The device consists of CMOS active matrix electrodes used for addressing and a liquid crystal layer used for modulating. We obtained a large depth of phase-only modulation and high diffraction efficiency based on the electro-optical characteristics of a parallel-aligned nematic liquid crystal layer.
The device will bring us one step closer to above mentioned practical applications.
The LCoS-SLM will be transferred to the production division to be commercialized within one year.
This research & development was partly supported by Research and Development Projects for Economic Revitalization of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japan.
