Programmble diffractive optics with a ferroelectric liquid crystal SLM in a binary phase-only mode

We report on the performance and application of a commercially available 128 X 128 pixel, electrically addressed ferroelectric liquid crystal spatial light modulator (FLCSLM). In combination with appropriate polarization optics the FLCSLM can be configured as a 2-level phase only modulator. The performance of this `programmable phase transformer' (PPT) is demonstrated by using it in conjunction with a positive lens to produce near diffraction limited, reconfigurable, arrays of spots in the Fourier plane of the lens. Near diffraction limited performance is also shown for the PPT with pixels configured to act as a Fresnel zone plate. Finally, the pixel configuration for spot array generation is combined with that for zone plate to produce spot arrays without the aid of a lens. Improved performance with 2-dimensional over 1-dimensional optimization procedures is also demonstrated.