Abstract

Ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) optically addressed spatial light modulators (OASLMs) exhibit high spatial resolution (≈50-100 lp/mm) and short switching times (≈100 μs) [1]. These devices can be used to produce dynamic holograms in optical computing [2] or phase conjugation applications [3]. To use FLC OASLMs in the diffractive mode it is important to understand their diffraction characteristics. In this paper we present OASLM diffraction efficiency measurements and analyze the switching behavior of the diffracted light as a function of the FLC grating characteristics. We then compare the experimental results with the results of the analysis and discuss the device limitations which affect the diffraction efficiency.

© 1995 Optical Society of America