Deformable mirror device uses in frequency excision and optical switching

A spatial light modulator is described which consists of a row of 1200 electrostatically deflectable mirror elements. This deformable mirror device is included in an acoustooptic spectrum analyzer and, as such, allows the removal of interfering signals from 333 frequency bands. Radiometric scans demonstrate the contrast and resolution possible with the device. Based on these results, the suitability of the device to frequency excisors and optical switches is considered.