Matched-filtering generalized phase contrast using LCoS pico-projectors for beam-forming

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Laser Physics
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• High-end spatial light modulators are typically used for advanced beam-shaping applications.
• Existing methods for optical trapping, manipulation, and optical lattices are often costly.
• There is a need for affordable and adaptable beam-forming solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel, low-cost beam-forming system for generating programmable optical spikes.
• To demonstrate the use of consumer pico-projectors as spatial light modulators for optical applications.
• To adapt the matched-filtering Generalized Phase Contrast (mGPC) technique for beam shaping.

Main Methods:

• Utilized two handheld pico-projectors based on liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) devices.
• Configured LCoS devices as binary phase-only spatial light modulators by controlling laser illumination polarization.
• Implemented the mGPC spatial filtering configuration within a standard 4f-setup.
• Employed reconfigurable spatial phase filters instead of fixed ones.

Main Results:

• Successfully generated high-intensity programmable optical spikes.
• Demonstrated a low-cost alternative to expensive spatial light modulators for beam shaping.
• Showcased the mGPC approach's tolerance to phase aberrations inherent in consumer devices.
• Enabled adaptable beam shaping for diverse applications.

Conclusions:

• The developed system offers a cost-effective solution for optical beam shaping and manipulation.
• Consumer pico-projectors can be effectively repurposed as spatial light modulators using the mGPC technique.
• The mGPC method provides robustness against imperfections, broadening its applicability.