Temporal intensity noise characteristics and discrete numeric accuracy of analog liquid-crystal-based spatial light...

We investigate the temporal intensity noise characteristics of analog liquid-crystal-based spatial light modulators and how they affect the device's achievable discrete numeric accuracies in an optical computing system. First we present an analytical development that defines the concept of precision in analog computing systems, then we define a noise metric and a precision-optimal quantizer for determining the discrete numeric characteristics of the devices. Second we present an experimental discussion in which a low-noise test facility constructed for this investigation is described, and the noise characteristics of three commercially available liquid-crystal-based modulators are measured and analyzed. The accuracy implications of this measured noise are then discussed within the context of the analytical model for each modulator.