US 2006/0050374 A1 · Reconfigurable spatial light modulators

Abstract

This invention relates to reconfigurable spatial light modulators (SLM) incorporating a scatter plate. Computer generated diffraction patterns or holograms may be loaded on the (SLM) either as a single frame or as a series of frames for observation by an observer. In a preferred embodiment both an electrically addressable spatial light modulator (EASLM) and an optically addressable spatial light modulator (OASLM) are used. The (OASLM) may be formed of several smaller (OASLMs) arranged in a matrix format. The faster (EASLM) forms a light pattern on sub-areas of the large (OASLM) in turn to give a large display. The scatter plate is arranged at the output of the (SLM) nearest an observer. This scatter plate has a known characteristic and serves to increase the field of view and/or reduce the number of pixels required to give a holographic or two dimensional displays. Prior to producing a display, the diffraction patterns, holograms, or image in the computer is modified to take account of the properties of the scatter plate; a modified computer generated diffraction pattern, hologram, or image is then displayed to an observer. The system may also be used for optical switching.

Claims21

Dependent claims

A reconfigurable spatial light modulator system arrangement comprising:

a controller for holding a pattern;
an incident light source;
at least one spatial light modulator, the at least one spatial light modulator having a plurality of pixels, each pixel being capable of modulating incident light and collectively replicating the pattern;
a scatter plate of known characteristics—in an optical path between the incident light source and an observer or detector;
the arrangement being adapted to present light propagating from a spatial light modulator to the observer or detector;
and
the pattern being a pattern compensated according to the scatter plate characteristics.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Reconfigurable spatial light modulators

Life of this patent

Reconfigurable spatial light modulators

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims21