Abstract

We demonstrate fast, efficient beam steering using a single $1\times 32$ analog ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) spatial light modulator. A high-tilt FLC material with $82°$ optic-axis switching provides, in a reflective-mode device with a passive quarter-wave retarder between a half-wave FLC layer and a mirror, 91% of full $0–2\pi$ phase modulation. Electronic drive based on applied charge gives $200\mathrm{\mu s}$ response-time analog modulation.

© 2009 Optical Society of America

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