Micro-electro mechanical systems (MEMS)-based phase-only spatial light modulators (PLMs) have the potential to overcome the limited speed of liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) spatial light modulators (SLMs) and operate at speeds faster than 10 kHz. This expands the practicality of PLMs to several applications, including communications, sensing, and high-speed displays. The complex structure and fabrication requirements for large, 2D MEMS arrays with vertical actuation have kept MEMS-based PLMs out of the market in favor of LCoS SLMs. Recently, Texas Instruments has adapted its existing DMD technology for fabricating MEMS-based PLMs. Here, we characterize the diffraction efficiency for one of these PLMs and examine the effect of a nonlinear distribution of addressable phase states across a range of wavelengths and illumination angles.

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The use of silicone optical elements is demonstrated for a concentrated photovoltaic system. These components show over 96% transmission through most of the solar spectrum and excellent temperature stability. Unique moldability enables the use of complex freeform designs. A light, compact, and cost-effective concentrated photovoltaic system based on silicone optics is proposed. In this system, air-plasma treatment is utilized to overcome the mechanical properties of silicone and difficulties with coating to reduce Fresnel loss. Lens arrays and waveguides are fabricated by injection molding following freeform optical design by LightTools. First-order characterizations are also performed.