Patent ID: 6927748
Filing Date: 2005-08-09
Classification: G02F,G03H

Abstract:
1. A spatial light modulator imaging system, comprising: at least one electrically addressed spatial light modulator (EASLM); an optically addressed spatial light modulator (OASLM) including a layer of a nematic liquid crystal material contained between two cell walls provided in parallel in opposite direction alignment, the layer thickness d and the birefringence Δn at a wavelength λ approximately satisfy the equation Δn.d=λ/4; an optical system for directing light from the EASLM onto the OASLM; a controller for loading images on the EASLM then optically onto the OASLM; a controller for applying write voltages to the OASLM simultaneously with application of addressing light; and a read light source providing coherent light of one or more wavelengths for illuminating the OASLM to provide visible diffracted images, wherein the OASLM has at least one electrode that is segmented into a plurality of separately electrically addressable regions, and wherein the controller is adapted to apply voltages to the electrode so as to address different regions at different times, the arrangement being such that a plurality of images are read into the EASLM and then onto the OASLM at a rate sufficient to present a stable holographic image to an observer.