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Spectral and Angle-Resolved Magneto-Optical Characterization of Photonic Nanostructures
Published on: November 21, 2019
Coherent optical characterization of magnetooptical spatial light modulators
Applied Optics
|June 26, 2010
Summary
This study characterized a magnetooptic spatial light modulator (MOSLM), finding significant pixel variations but stable overall performance. These findings are crucial for coherent optical processing applications.
Area of Science:
- Optical Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Spatial Light Modulators (SLMs) are key components in optical systems.
- Magnetooptic SLMs (MOSLMs) offer unique polarization control.
- Accurate characterization of SLM properties is essential for reliable performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the amplitude and phase properties of a 48 x 48 pixel MOSLM.
- To investigate pixel uniformity and pixel-to-pixel variations.
- To evaluate the MOSLM's performance under different illumination conditions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a precision optical system for amplitude and phase measurements.
- Employed coherent light illumination for detailed characterization.
- Developed a theoretical model to explain observed performance variations.
Main Results:
- Observed significant intra-pixel amplitude (+/-25%) and phase (+/-50%) variations.
- Found smaller pixel-to-pixel variations in average amplitude (+/-5%) and phase (+/-6%).
- Reported contrast ratios of ~10:1 (full frame) and ~100:1 (single pixel), with polarization rotations of 11.25° and 14.0°, respectively.
Conclusions:
- Theoretical model explains reduced contrast/rotation under full-frame illumination due to light leakage.
- MOSLM exhibits high amplitude and phase stability with repeated and neighboring pixel switching.
- The observed stability is critical for applications in coherent optical information processing.
