Single-pixel demonstration of innovative adaptive optics by use of a charge-transfer membrane light modulator.

We have constructed and demonstrated a single-pixel implementation of an all-optical membrane-based spatial light modulator as a compact optical wave-front error correction device. High rates of response of as much as 20 kHz in an open-loop configuration were obtained. The device was then used in an adaptive-optics servo to compensate successfully for a 1-kHz sinusoidal phase error with a peak-to-peak excursion of approximately pi/7 rad.

Electron-beam-addressed membrane mirror light modulator for projection display.

The performance of a prototype, reflection-mode projection display based on an electron-beam-addressed membrane mirror light modulator (e-MLM) is described. The e-MLM converts electronic video information into a two-dimensional phase object, that is then schlieren imaged onto a screen. High-contrast dynamic projection of images is demonstrated over a broad range of wavelengths, from the visible to the midinfrared.

Charge-transfer-plate spatial light modulators.

Charge-transfer-plate spatial light modulators (CTPSLM's) are a class of devices that employ chargetransfer plates as the interface between the charge-generation element and the light-modulation element. Both optically addressed and electrically addressed devices have been built. Chargegenerating elements for the optically addressed devices include photoconductors, photodiode and phototransistor arrays, optoelectronic integrated circuit chips, and photocathode-microchannel-plate assemblies.

Operating modes of a charge-transfer-plate liquid-crystal phase modulator.

New results for an electron-beam-addressed liquid-crystal phase modulator are presented. Local, as well as global, control of liquid-crystal molecular reorientation is demonstrated, and the results of five different operating modes are discussed. Linear phase modulation with depths up to 30pi are demonstrated with this device, as are two-dimensional arrays of computer-generated spherical lenses with actively variable focal lengths.