Measurement of spatial light modulator parameters

An investigation is made of means to the standardization of methods for parameter characterization in the cases of spatial light modulators of optically addressed, electrically addressed, amplitude-modulating, and phase-modulating types, with a view to recommendations for future practice. The speed, resolution, and visibility parameters are noted to compare well irrespective of modulator type; phase and amplitude modulating devices cannot be directly compared, however, due to the fundamentally different ways that parameters are measured for each. To be meaningful, the MTF for an optically-addressed device must be accompanied by speed and illumination data. Lifetimes should be specified for all devices.