Abstract

Numerous applications have been envisioned for spatial light modulators in optical information processing and computing systems. The principal functional roles of both one- and two-dimensional spatial light modulators include those of format, input, output, CPU, and memory devices. Such a wide variety of applications has of course led to an equally wide variety of interrelated, and at times conflicting, device requirements that arise from fundamental physical limitations as well as current technological drawbacks. In this investigation we have examined these requirements for a particular class of modulators, the operation of which is based on an asymmetric Fabry-Perot etalon with a multiple quantum well (MQW) structure as the cavity medium.

© 1990 Optical Society of America