Abstract

Liquid crystal spatial light modulators (LCSLM) have been used in many optical data processing systems. The one most often cited is the reflective type produced and marketed by Hughes Aircraft Company. Its construction, performance, and applications to real-time optical data processing have been reported before^1,2. Grumman has recently developed an LCSLM, which allows both the write and the read beams to enter from the same side. The CdS photoconductor used is transparent to light of wavelength longer than 600 nm, so a red light, such as a He-Ne laser, will transmit through. Otherwise, the light valve operation is similar to the Hughes device.

© 1988 Optical Society of America