Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 22, 2026

Shaping the Amplitude and Phase of Laser Beams by Using a Phase-only Spatial Light Modulator
Published on: January 28, 2019
Calibration of a phase-only spatial light modulator for both phase and retardance modulation
Abstract:
Liquid crystal spatial light modulators (SLMs) are usually configured and calibrated for phase modulation. However, as they are variable retarders, they also have application as polarization modulators. We show that conventional phase-only calibrations are insufficient for this purpose, and a separate retardance calibration is needed. To overcome this shortcoming we report a simple Twyman-Green interferometer-based setup to realize SLM phase and retardance calibration. For phase calibration, we identify the non-linear, spatially variant response to the drive voltage of the SLM using fringe analysis and both horizontally and vertically polarized incident light. For retardance calibration, we use incident light polarized at 45° and assess the intensity variation. The methods presented are compatible with in situ calibration of SLMs.
Related Concept Videos
Phase Diagrams
Phase Transitions
Inductance: Single-Phase And Three-Phase Line
Single-Phase Two-Wire Line:
A single-phase line consists of two solid cylindrical conductors, denoted as x and y. Each conductor carries phasor currents ix and iy, respectively. Given that the sum of these currents is...
Capacitance: Single-Phase And Three-Phase Line
Single-Phase Lines
Consider a single-phase, two-wire transmission line with equal phase spacing energized by a voltage source. One conductor carries a uniform positive charge, while the other carries an equal negative charge. The capacitance C of the line can be derived from the voltage V between the conductors. For a one-meter section of the line, the capacitance is given...
Phase Changes
A substance melts or freezes at a temperature called its melting point and boils or condenses at its boiling point. These temperatures depend on pressure. High pressure favors the denser form of the substance, so typically, high pressure...
Phase-lead and Phase-lag Controllers

