Optically addressed spatial light modulators for replaying computer-generated holograms

Holographic techniques offer a route to the generation of 3D images having all the depth cues used by the human vision system. A new electro-optic modulator system has been developed by the authors to replay dynamic holographic images. This Active Tiling (AT) system offers a route to replay giga-pixel computer generated holographic (CGH) images with video refresh rates. A key component of the AT system is an Optically Addressed Spatial Light Modulator (OASLM), onto which segments of the large pixel count CGH are loaded or written sequentially before the whole CGH frame is read out simultaneously. The OASLM device structure used consists of an amorphous silicon photosensor layer combined with surface stabilised ferroelectric liquid crystal (SSFLC) light modulation layer. A number of experiments have been conducted to determine the performance and suitability of this device for replaying a CGH. These experiments include electro-optic switching to determine the operating window and diffraction efficiency (DE) measurements to determine spatial resolution performance. A detailed description of the experimental apparatus and method used for measuring DE is presented, and results show the OASLM to be capable of diffracting light from fringe patterns with spatial periods as low as 3 micrometers (333 lp/mm). Examples of CGH replay of 3D images from the OASLM when operating within the AT system are also presented.

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