Liquid Crystal Over Silicon Spatial Light Modulators For Optical Correlators

Abstract

Liquid crystal on silicon spatial light moclulators are made hy placing r2 thin layer of liquid crystal directly on top of a silicon integrated circuit chip. For a recent review of this technology see, for example, reference [l]. We have designed and constructed a 256 by 256 binary SLM which uses a ferroelectric liquid crystal as the light modulating layer specifically for application in an optical correlator. We have also constructed a 128 by 128 analog SLM which in the correlator application promises significant advantages over binary only devices.