Optical imaging system utilizing a light valve array and a coupled photoemissive target

An optical imaging system comprising an evacuated hermetically sealed system comprising:

• an input-radiation-transmissive substrate;
• a imaging-radiation-transmissive substrate spaced from the input-radiation-transmissive substrate;
• an array of electrostatically deflectable, reflective light valves supported upon the imaging substrate, which light valves each comprise a support post extending from the imaging substrate with a generally planar deflectable and reflective portion disposed at the extending end of the central support post;
• an electrode grid disposed upon the imaging substrate between the spaced apart light valves;
• a photoemissive means coupled between the input radiation transmissive substrate and the light valve array, with the input radiation being incident upon the photoemissive means to generate photoelectrons which produce a charge pattern upon the deflectable portions of the light valves, which charge pattern corresponds to the input radiation causing deflection of the light valve;
• and
• output radiation imaging means for directing output radiation onto the light valve array through the imaging substrate, with the output radiation being reflected from the deflected light valves and passed through the imaging radiation transmissive substrate as a function of the input radiation.