Abstract

Near-IR-to-visible image conversion using a Hughes silicon liquid crystal light valve¹ (LCLV) was demonstrated. An input 1.06-μm laser A, intensity of ~100 μW/cm² was used to activate the 125-μm thick silicon photoconductor. The photoactivated current generated in the silicon by the 1.06-μm input beam results in a spatial voltage pattern which is transferred to the high impedance liquid crystal layer. This electric field causes molecular reorientation to occur in the liquid crystal film; since the liquid crystal film is birefringent, this reorientation causes the polarization of the visible projection beam (λ₂ = 0.633 μm) to be rotated.

© 1987 Optical Society of America