Abstract

We are investigating several classes of versatile, alloptical, open and closed loop circuits that are based on two novel devices: a microchannel spatial light modulator (MSLM) and a laser beamlet array generator (BAG). The MSLM is illustrated in Eig. 1 and is described in detail elsewhere. 1-3 Essentially, it consists of a sandwich of photocathode material, a microchanneJ. plate (MCP), an acceleration grid and a thin electro-optic crystal. The electro-optic crystal is coated on the side lacing the MCP with a dielectric mirror and on the other with a transparent electrode. This entire assembly is enclosed i n of a r e Hz ) and the an evacuated tube. The important and the MSLM that make it well suited for its low halfwave exposure (<lnJ/cms), its level t h r e s h oI ding and image unique characteristics these optical circuits high framing speed (> 5 0 storage characteristics, the abib111y to wr same wa ve1e n g t h. importance because it opt leal circuits.

© 1985 Optical Society of America