Electron-Beam-Addressed Microchannel Spatial Light Modulator

A vacuum-demountable prototype electron-beam-addressed spatial light modulator that consists essentially of an electron gun, a microchannel plate, and an electro-optic crystal is being investigated. This paper discusses the underlying principles of operation of the device, which include the interaction of an electron beam with a microchannel plate and the addressing of an electro-optic crystal with a flux of nonmonoenergetic electrons.