Design, fabrication, switching, and optical characteristics of new magneto-optic spatial light modulator

Abstract

A new reflected mode magneto-optic spatial light modulator (R-MOSLM) has been developed for miniature optical correlators and computers. A factor of 4 improvement in pixel switching sensitivity, compared to the conventional transmission mode magneto-optic spatial light modulator, has been achieved by the use of narrower drive lines, and burying the conductor into the film. A factor of 3 higher resolution and a factor of 2 higher optical efficiency have also been achieved by the use of smaller pixels and narrower pixel gaps. The smaller pixels and improved switching sensitivity permit an order of magnitude reduction in optical path length and increase in frame rate, respectively. The progress that has been made in the design of the R-MOSLM, issues concerning its fabrication, a comparison by finite element analysis of field modeling to experimentally determined current requirements to drive individual lines, and some optical characteristics are discussed.

Rare earth–transition metal compound-based MOSLM for the visible spectral range

“…Magneto-optic SLMs (MOSLMs) are shown to provide modulation of the direction of polarization in the transmission geometry via Faraday rotation of transparent magnetic films subjected to external magnetic fields [3]. The first such MOSLM was the magneto-optic-photoconductor sandwich developed by Krumme et al [4][5][6], which was made of an epitaxial (Gd,Bi) 3 (Fe,Ga) 5 O 12 film and a Cu-doped CdS photoconductor film. For MOSLMs made of bismuth-substituted yttrium iron garnet (Bi:YIG) films, switching pixels is demonstrated at the speed of several GHz [7][8][9].…”

Fabrication and properties of spatial light modulator with magneto-optical Faraday effect

“…It had a flame rate of 2kHz [1]. Then, the reflected mode MOSLM (R-MOSLM) patterned with 22 micrometers square of 24 micrometers pitch that was driven at a flame rate of 1kHz was developed [2]. However, they had the problems with high electric power consumption and low flame rate.…”

An Ultra-High Definition Spatial Light Modulation Device Driven by Spin-Polarized Electrons

“…However, none of these SLM devices meet the desired speed and resolution requirements. MO-SLM has very fast response time of 15 ns [7,8], however, it has difficulties being downsized. The magnetic directionality of an MO-SLM device provides for light modulation that can be switched by magnetic fields generated by small coils buried within the device, underneath a fixed magnet.…”