Abstract

Thin metallized viscoelastic layers with active-matrix addressing are proposed as spatial light modulators (SLM's) for eventual use in a reflective Schlieren light valve or in other electro-optical devices. A periodic deformation of the mirror electrode covering the viscoelastic layer leads to diffraction of the incoming light; the relative light intensities in the diffraction orders are determined by the deformation amplitude and can thus be controlled by means of the applied voltages. In order to obtain an almost linear deformation response with relatively small video signals V_s, a constant bias voltage V₀ is applied between the top (mirror) electrode and the interdigital-electrode grid. Further details of the suggested viscoelastic SLM and a theoretical analysis of its deformation behavior are found in previous articles [1, 2].

© 1988 Optical Society of America