Language
Country/Area
No result found
Did you know how electro-optically controlled spatial light modulators can turn your display into an ultra-high resolution panel?
Displays are everywhere in our daily lives, whether on TVs, phones or computers. These displays provide the images and videos we need, but have you ever wondered about the technology behind these displays? Spatial light modulators (SLMs), especially electro-optically controlled versions, are one of the key devices that enable our displays to achieve ultra-high resolution.
Spatial light modulators can control the intensity, phase or polarization of light in a spatially varying manner.
A spatial light modulator is a device that can adjust the properties of light as desired. Their initial applications were mainly in image projection, display devices and maskless lithography. Its application in optical computing and holographic optical micromanipulation has pushed its technology to new heights.
Electrically Actuated Spatial Light Modulator (EASLM)
An electrically actuated spatial light modulator (EASLM) is a device that uses electronic signals to modify an image. We can see this type of device in many traditional electronic displays. The resolution of EASLM can be as high as QXGA (2048 × 1536), which is suitable for use as a projector for presentations at conferences.
A digital micromirror device (DMD) is an example of an EASLM, whose main purpose is to control and adjust the amplitude of light.
These tiny devices (about 2 square centimeters in area) are not suitable for direct viewing, but they are unparalleled in their ability to control light intensity with precision. As a digital micromirror device, DMD specializes in binary amplitude modulation, and each pixel can only be in an on or off state.
Optically Actuated Spatial Light Modulator (OASLM)
In contrast to EASLM, an optically actuated spatial light modulator (OASLM) creates and changes images by incident light. The device can remember an image even after the light is turned off because its internal structure continues to sense the brightness of each pixel and reproduce the image using liquid crystal.
OASLM is widely used in the second stage of extremely high-resolution displays such as computer-generated holographic display technology.
This technology allows EASLM to run at a rapid rate of 2,500 frames per second, achieving image resolutions in excess of 100 megapixels through stitching.
Applications in ultrafast pulse measurement and shaping
Multiphoton Interferometry Pulse Phase Scanning (MIIPS) is a computer-controlled phase scanning technique based on a linear array of spatial light modulators. It characterizes and controls the pulse shape by scanning the phase of ultrashort pulses to achieve the desired pulse characteristics. The technology requires no moving parts, features full calibration and control, and allows for easy, simple optical setup.
Linear array SLMs use nematic liquid crystal elements that can modulate amplitude, phase, or both simultaneously.
Among the above technologies, different types of spatial light modulators combine various functions, demonstrating their powerful capabilities whether used for image projection, secure data storage or optical display.
SummarySpatial light modulators play an indispensable role in future image display technologies. From simple conference displays to complex holographic presentations, these devices show how advances in technology can bring about huge leaps in image quality. Considering the impact of these high-tech devices on our lives, can we expect that the next generation of display technology will take our visual experience to the next level?
