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. As such this device is expected to find applications in large-screen visible displays and dynamic infrared scene projectors.