Abstract

One of the future goals for computing will be the ability to transform data arrays at high speed. Where the transformation is regular across the array, such as symbolic substitution, or can be realized with simple optical components, such as the Fourier transform, then it is a natural solution to spatially multiplex the data across a coherent light beam. This entails the need for developing SLM’s of high space-bandwidth product. In order to reduce thermal dissipation an ideal electro-optic effect should operate at low applied voltages and use a material of low dielectric constant. Liquid crystal devices fulfil some of these requirements. Here we describe the properties of multiplexed ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) spatial light modulators that run at faster than video frame rates. We suggest that for reasons of addressing speed, compactness, and integrability with silicon circuitry, then silicon active backplane FLC SLMs offer significant advantages. The design and potential performance of such devices is briefly discussed, as is the possible impact of a more recent fast, analogue electro-optic effect in chiral smectic liquid crystals.

© 1988 Optical Society of America