Spatial light modulator system as dynamic diffractive element

A new spatial light modulator system based on a high-resolution LCOS micro-display is presented. The parameters like pixel size and number as well as the fill factor and especially the phase modulation properties open up many application in coherent optical applications. The light efficiency of this system can compete with other static optical solutions. A major application field, diffractive optics, will be illustrated and performance and perspectives of this system will be discussed. Investigations were done mostly on the addressing of the 2.3 Mega pixel device. The effect of ghost images and cross talk due to the addressing scheme will be discussed concerning the influence of the optical performance. General optical measurements like complex modulation is presented, particularly focused on the phase modulation properties. Furthermore, possibilities of adapting the modulation by the use of "Gamma-correction" curves are shown. Various experiments, which illustrate different application fields the modulator system, are presented.