Showing papers on "Spatial light modulator published in 2018"

Hybrid graphene metasurfaces for high-speed mid-infrared light modulation and single-pixel imaging

Abstract: During the past decades, major advances have been made in both the generation and detection of infrared light; however, its efficient wavefront manipulation and information processing still encounter great challenges. Efficient and fast optoelectronic modulators and spatial light modulators are required for mid-infrared imaging, sensing, security screening, communication and navigation, to name a few. However, their development remains elusive, and prevailing methods reported so far have suffered from drawbacks that significantly limit their practical applications. In this study, by leveraging graphene and metasurfaces, we demonstrate a high-performance free-space mid-infrared modulator operating at gigahertz speeds, low gate voltage and room temperature. We further pixelate the hybrid graphene metasurface to form a prototype spatial light modulator for high frame rate single-pixel imaging, suggesting orders of magnitude improvement over conventional liquid crystal or micromirror-based spatial light modulators. This work opens up the possibility of exploring wavefront engineering for infrared technologies for which fast temporal and spatial modulations are indispensable.

Spiral phase contrast imaging in nonlinear optics: seeing phase objects using invisible illumination

Abstract: Spiral phase contrast (SPC) imaging offers a vital, convenient tool for edge detection in image processing. Despite significant experimental and theoretical progress in this area, SPC imaging with invisible light is still lacking. In contrast to the general SPC scheme, here we construct a nonlinear spatial filter by equivalently imprinting the vortex phase plate onto the potassium titanyl phosphate crystal using second harmonic generation (SHG). The phase or intensity objects are displayed by a spatial light modulator (SLM) and illuminated with 1064 nm infrared light. Then the combination of our nonlinear filter with SHG in the Fourier domain enables concise, yet highly efficient SPC imaging, leading to a visible edge enhancement with invisible illumination. By programming a running dog cartoon with SLM, we also demonstrate the capacity of our scheme to detect edges and contours in real time. Our present scheme could find direct applications in infrared monitoring.

Holographic near-eye display with expanded eye-box

Abstract: Holographic displays have great potential to realize mixed reality by modulating the wavefront of light in a fundamental manner. As a computational display, holographic displays offer a large degree of freedom, such as focus cue generation and vision correction. However, the limited bandwidth of spatial light modulator imposes an inherent trade-off relationship between the field of view and eye-box size. Thus, we demonstrate the first practical eye-box expansion method for a holographic near-eye display. Instead of providing an intrinsic large exit-pupil, we shift the optical system's exit-pupil to cover the expanded eye-box area with pupil-tracking. For compact implementation, a pupil-shifting holographic optical element (PSHOE) is proposed that can reduce the form factor for exit-pupil shifting. A thorough analysis of the design parameters and display performance are provided. In particular, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the incorporation of the holographic optical element into a holographic display system. The influence of holographic optical elements on the intrinsic exit-pupil and pupil switching is revealed by numerical simulation and Wigner distribution function analysis.

Adaptive wavefront shaping for controlling nonlinear multimode interactions in optical fibres

Abstract: Recent progress in wavefront shaping has enabled control of light propagation inside linear media to focus and image through scattering objects. In particular, light propagation in multimode fibres comprises complex intermodal interactions and rich spatiotemporal dynamics. Control of physical phenomena in multimode fibres and its applications are in their infancy, opening opportunities to take advantage of complex nonlinear modal dynamics. Here, we demonstrate a wavefront shaping approach for controlling nonlinear phenomena in multimode fibres. Using a spatial light modulator at the fibre input, real-time spectral feedback and a genetic algorithm optimization, we control a highly nonlinear multimode stimulated Raman scattering cascade and its interplay with four-wave mixing via a flexible implicit control on the superposition of modes coupled into the fibre. We show versatile spectrum manipulations including shifts, suppression, and enhancement of Stokes and anti-Stokes peaks. These demonstrations illustrate the power of wavefront shaping to control and optimize nonlinear wave propagation. The combination of a spatial light modulator at the fibre input, real-time spectral feedback and a genetic algorithm optimization controls the nonlinear stimulated Raman scattering cascade and its interplay with four-wave mixing in multimode fibres.

Extreme Broadband Transparent Optical Phase Change Materials for High-Performance Nonvolatile Photonics

Abstract: Optical phase change materials (O-PCMs), a unique group of materials featuring drastic optical property contrast upon solid-state phase transition, have found widespread adoption in photonic switches and routers, reconfigurable meta-optics, reflective display, and optical neuromorphic computers. Current phase change materials, such as Ge-Sb-Te (GST), exhibit large contrast of both refractive index (delta n) and optical loss (delta k), simultaneously. The coupling of both optical properties fundamentally limits the function and performance of many potential applications. In this article, we introduce a new class of O-PCMs, Ge-Sb-Se-Te (GSST) which breaks this traditional coupling, as demonstrated with an optical figure of merit improvement of more than two orders of magnitude. The first-principle computationally optimized alloy, Ge2Sb2Se4Te1, combines broadband low optical loss (1-18.5 micron), large optical contrast (delta n = 2.0), and significantly improved glass forming ability, enabling an entirely new field of infrared and thermal photonic devices. We further leverage the material to demonstrate nonvolatile integrated optical switches with record low loss and large contrast ratio, as well as an electrically addressed, microsecond switched pixel level spatial light modulator, thereby validating its promise as a platform material for scalable nonvolatile photonics.

Highly efficient generation of arbitrary vector beams with tunable polarization, phase, and amplitude

Abstract: We propose an efficient and robust method to generate tunable vector beams by employing a single phase-type spatial light modulator (SLM). With this method, a linearly polarized Gaussian beam can be converted into a vector beam with arbitrarily controllable polarization state, phase, and amplitude. The energy loss during the conversion is greatly reduced and depends mainly on the reflectivity of the SLM. We experimentally demonstrate that conversion efficiency of about 47% is achieved by using an SLM with reflectivity of 62%. Several typical vector beams, including cylindrical vector beams, vector beams on higher order Poincare spheres, and arbitrary vector beams attached with phases and with tunable amplitude, are generated and verified experimentally. This method is also expected to create high-power vector beams and play important roles in optical fabrication and light trapping.

Laguerre-Gaussian mode sorter

Abstract: Light's spatial properties represent an infinite state space, making it attractive for applications requiring high dimensionality, such as quantum mechanics and classical telecommunications, but also inherently spatial applications such as imaging and sensing. However, there is no demultiplexing device in the spatial domain comparable to a grating or calcite for the wavelength and polarisation domains respectively. Specifically, a simple device capable of splitting a finite beam into a large number of discrete spatially separated spots each containing a single orthogonal spatial component. We demonstrate a device capable of decomposing a beam into a Cartesian grid of identical Gaussian spots each containing a single Laguerre-Gaussian component. This is the first device capable of decomposing the azimuthal and radial components simultaneously, and is based on a single spatial light modulator and mirror. We demonstrate over 210 spatial components, meaning it is also the highest dimensionality mode multiplexer of any kind.

A vector holographic optical trap

Abstract: The invention of optical tweezers almost forty years ago has triggered applications spanning multiple disciplines and has also found its way into commercial products. A major breakthrough came with the invention of holographic optical tweezers (HOTs), allowing simultaneous manipulation of many particles, traditionally done with arrays of scalar beams. Here we demonstrate a vector HOT with arrays of digitally controlled Higher-Order Poincare Sphere (HOPS) beams. We employ a simple set-up using a spatial light modulator and show that each beam in the array can be manipulated independently and set to an arbitrary HOPS state, including replicating traditional scalar beam HOTs. We demonstrate trapping and tweezing with customized arrays of HOPS beams comprising scalar orbital angular momentum and cylindrical vector beams, including radially and azimuthally polarized beams simultaneously in the same trap. Our approach is general enough to be easily extended to arbitrary vector beams, could be implemented with fast refresh rates and will be of interest to the structured light and optical manipulation communities alike.

Pursuing high quality phase-only liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) devices

Abstract: Fine pixel size and high-resolution liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) backplanes have been developed by various companies and research groups since 1973. The development of LCoS is not only beneficial for full high definition displays but also to spatial light modulation. The high-quality and well-calibrated panels can project computer generated hologram (CGH) designs faithfully for phase-only holography, which can be widely utilized in 2D/3D holographic video projectors and components for optical telecommunications. As a result, we start by summarizing the current status of high-resolution panels, followed by addressing issues related to the driving frequency (i.e., liquid crystal response time and hardware interface). LCoS panel qualities were evaluated based on the following four characteristics: phase linearity control, phase precision, phase stability, and phase accuracy.

High-Speed, Phase-Dominant Spatial Light Modulation with Silicon-Based Active Resonant Antennas

Abstract: Spatiotemporal control of optical wavefronts is of great importance in numerous free-space optical applications including imaging in 3D and through scattering media, remote sensing, and generation of various beam profiles for microscopy. Progress in these applications is currently limited due to lack of compact and high-speed spatial light modulators. Here we report an active antenna comprising a free-space coupled asymmetric Fabry–Perot resonator that produces a phase-dominant thermo-optic modulation of reflected light at frequencies approaching tens of kilohertz. As a proof of concept for spatial light modulation, we demonstrate a 6 × 6 array of such active antennas with beam deflection capability. The robust design of our silicon-based active antenna will enable large-scale integration of high-speed, phase-dominant spatial light modulators.

Synthesizing broadband propagation-invariant space-time wave packets using transmissive phase plates.

Abstract: Space-time wave packets are a class of pulsed optical beams that are diffraction-free and dispersion-free in free space by virtue of introducing a tight correlation between the spatial and temporal degrees of freedom of the field. Such wave packets have been recently synthesized in a novel configuration that makes use of a spatial light modulator to realize the required spatio-temporal correlations. This arrangement combines pulse-modulation and beam-shaping to assign one spatial frequency to each wavelength according to a prescribed correlation function. Relying on a spatial light modulator results in several limitations by virtue of their pixelation, small area, and low energy-handling capability. Here we demonstrate the synthesis of space-time wave packets with one spatial dimension kept uniform – that is, light sheets – using transparent transmissive phase plates produced by a gray-scale lithography process. We confirm the diffraction-free behavior of wave packets having a bandwidth of 0.25 nm (filtered from a typical femtosecond Ti:sapphire laser) and 30 nm (a multi-terawatt femtosecond laser). This work paves the way for developing versatile high-energy light bullets for applications in nonlinear optics and laser machining.

Mode control in a multimode fiber through acquiring its transmission matrix from a reference-less optical system.

Abstract: A simple imaging system, together with complex semidefinite programming, is used to generate the transmission matrix (TM) of a multimode fiber. Once the TM is acquired, we can modulate the phase of the input signal to induce strong mode interference at the fiber output. The optical design does not contain a reference arm, no internal reference signal is used, and no interferometric measurements are required. We use a phase-only spatial light modulator to shape the profile of the propagating modes, and the output intensity patterns are collected. The semidefinite program uses a convex optimization algorithm to generate the TM of the optical system using intensity only measurements. This simple, yet powerful, method can be used to compensate for modal dispersion in multimode fiber communication systems. It also yields great promise for the next generation biomedical imaging, quantum communication, and cryptography.

High precision wavefront control in point spread function engineering for single emitter localization

Abstract: Point spread function (PSF) engineering is used in single emitter localization to measure the emitter position in 3D and possibly other parameters such as the emission color or dipole orientation as well. Advanced PSF models such as spline fits to experimental PSFs or the vectorial PSF model can be used in the corresponding localization algorithms in order to model the intricate spot shape and deformations correctly. The complexity of the optical architecture and fit model makes PSF engineering approaches particularly sensitive to optical aberrations. Here, we present a calibration and alignment protocol for fluorescence microscopes equipped with a spatial light modulator (SLM) with the goal of establishing a wavefront error well below the diffraction limit for optimum application of complex engineered PSFs. We achieve high-precision wavefront control, to a level below 20 mλ wavefront aberration over a 30 minute time window after the calibration procedure, using a separate light path for calibrating the pixel-to-pixel variations of the SLM, and alignment of the SLM with respect to the optical axis and Fourier plane within 3 μm (x/y) and 100 μm (z) error. Aberrations are retrieved from a fit of the vectorial PSF model to a bead z-stack and compensated with a residual wavefront error comparable to the error of the SLM calibration step. This well-calibrated and corrected setup makes it possible to create complex '3D+λ' PSFs that fit very well to the vectorial PSF model. Proof-of-principle bead experiments show precisions below 10 nm in x, y, and λ, and below 20 nm in z over an axial range of 1 μm with 2000 signal photons and 12 background photons.

Experimental demonstration of tunable refractometer based on orbital angular momentum of longitudinally structured light.

Abstract: The index of refraction plays a decisive role in the design and classification of optical materials and devices; therefore, its proper and accurate determination is essential. In most refractive index (RI) sensing schemes, however, there is a trade-off between providing high-resolution measurements and covering a wide range of RIs. We propose and experimentally demonstrate a novel mechanism for sensing the index of refraction of a medium by utilizing the orbital angular momentum (OAM) of structured light. Using a superposition of co-propagating monochromatic higher-order Bessel beams with equally spaced longitudinal wavenumbers, in a comb-like setting, we generate non-diffracting rotating light structures in which the orientation of the beam’s intensity profile is sensitive to the RI of the medium (here, a fluid). In principle, the sensitivity of this scheme can exceed ~2700°/RI unit (RIU) with a resolution of ~ $$10^{ - 5}$$ RIU. Furthermore, we show how the unbounded degrees of freedom associated with OAM can be deployed to offer a wide dynamic range by generating structured light that evolves into different patterns based on the change in RI. The rotating light structures are generated by a programmable spatial light modulator. This provides dynamic control over the sensitivity, which can be tuned to perform coarse or fine measurements of the RI in real time. This, in turn, allows high sensitivity and resolution to be achieved simultaneously over a very wide dynamic range, which is a typical trade-off in all RI sensing schemes. We thus envision that this method will open new directions in refractometry and remote sensing. A technique that generates rotating laser patterns in the shape of flower petals may open up new opportunities in the field of remote sensing. Ahmed Dorrah from the University of Toronto in Canada and colleagues have developed a tunable, high-resolution laser-based device for refractive index sensors. The researchers superimposed Bessel beams to create new light structures with variable petal-like intensity profiles. Because these beams are created by modulating a source’s orbital angular momentum, they possess helical-shaped wavefronts and intensity profiles that rotate along the optical path. The degree of rotation in these petal-like intensity patterns depends on the medium of propagation. Accordingly, the resulting light structures could be reconfigured on-demand to detect refractive index changes between materials such as air, water, and oil with high resolution and wide dynamic sensing range, much larger than conventional optics.

Design of an optical see-through light-field near-eye display using a discrete lenslet array.

Abstract: In this paper, we propose a novel method to construct an optical see-through light-field near-eye display (OST LF-NED) by using a discrete lenslet array (DLA). The DLA is used as a spatial light modulator (SLM) to generate dense light field of three-dimensional (3-D) scenes inside the user’s eyebox of the system and provide correct focus cues to the user. A corresponding light-field image rendering method is also proposed and demonstrated. The light emitted from the real objects passes through the transparent region of the display panel and the planar area of the DLA successively without redirection, so the user can have a clear view of the real scene as well as the virtual information. The stray light that may degrade the image quality has been analyzed in detail. The experimental result shows that the proposed method is capable of obtaining a corrected depth perception of the virtual information in augmented reality (AR) applications.

Super multi-view near-eye display to solve vergence-accommodation conflict.

Abstract: A super multi-view (SMV) technique is applied to near-eye displays to solve the vergence–accommodation conflict that causes visual fatigue. The proposed SMV near-eye display employs a high-speed spatial light modulator (SLM), a two-dimensional (2D) light source array, and an imaging optics for each eye. The imaging optics produces a virtual image of the SLM and real images of the light sources to generate a 2D array of viewpoints. The SMV images are generated using a time-multiplexing technique: the multiple light sources sequentially emit light while the SLM synchronously displays corresponding parallax images. A monocular experimental system was constructed using a ferroelectric liquid crystal display and an LED array. A full-parallax SMV image generation with 21 viewpoints was demonstrated and a comparison of full-parallax and horizontal parallax SMV images provided.

Synthesis of Im-Bessel correlated beams via coherent modes.

Abstract: We present the first high-quality experimental realization of a random optical beam as a linear superposition of its coherent modes. The individual modes are generated by passing a laser beam through a phase-only spatial light modulator. A random stationary beam is obtained by using a temporally randomized sequence of its coherent modes, each contributing, on average, with a weight proportional to the corresponding mode eigenvalue. As an example, the new method is applied to a Im-Bessel correlated beam which was originally introduced in theory via the coherent mode decomposition, but could not have been experimentally generated so far by any other method.

Three-dimensional stimulation and imaging-based functional optical microscopy of biological cells.

Abstract: A new type of functional optical microscope system called three-dimensional (3D) stimulation and imaging-based functional optical microscopy (SIFOM) is proposed, to the best of our knowledge. SIFOM can precisely stimulate user-defined targeted biological cells and can simultaneously record the volumetric fluorescence distribution in a single acquisition. Precise and simultaneous stimulation of fluorescent-labeled biological cells is achieved by multiple 3D spots generated by digital holograms displayed on a phase-mode spatial light modulator. Single-shot 3D acquisition of the fluorescence distribution is accomplished by common-path off-axis incoherent digital holographic microscopy in which a diffraction grating with a focusing lens is displayed on another phase-mode spatial light modulator. The effectiveness of the proposed functional microscope system was verified in experiments using fluorescent microbeads and human lung cancer cells located at various defocused positions. The system can be used for manipulating the states of cells in optogenetics.

Interactive Holographic Display Based on Finger Gestures.

Abstract: In this paper, we demonstrate an interactive, finger-sensitive system which enables an observer to intuitively handle electro-holographic images in real time. In this system, a motion sensor detects finger gestures (swiping and pinching) and translates them into the rotation and enlargement/reduction of the holographic image, respectively. By parallelising the hologram calculation using a graphics processing unit, we realised the interactive handling of the holographic image in real time. In a demonstration of the system, we used a Leap Motion sensor and a phase modulation-type spatial light modulator with 1,920 × 1,080 pixels and a pixel pitch of 8.0 µm × 8.0 µm. The constructed interactive finger-sensitive system was able to rotate a holographic image composed of 4,096 point light sources using a swiping gesture and enlarge or reduce it using a pinching gesture in real time. The average calculation speed was 27.6 ms per hologram. Finally, we extended the constructed system to a full-colour reconstruction system that generates a more realistic three-dimensional image. The extended system successfully allowed the handling of a full-colour holographic image composed of 1,709 point light sources with a calculation speed of 22.6 ms per hologram.

Phase imaging by spatial wavefront sampling

Abstract: Phase-imaging techniques extract the optical path length information of a scene, whereas wavefront sensors provide the shape of an optical wavefront. Since these two applications have different technical requirements, they have developed their own specific technologies. Here we show how to perform phase imaging combining wavefront sampling using a reconfigurable spatial light modulator with a beam position detector. The result is a time-multiplexed detection scheme, capable of being shortened considerably by compressive sensing. This robust referenceless method does not require the phase-unwrapping algorithms demanded by conventional interferometry, and its lenslet-free nature removes trade-offs usually found in Shack–Hartmann sensors.

Multispectral Management of the Photon Orbital Angular Momentum

Abstract: We report on a programmable liquid crystal spatial light modulator enabling independent orbital angular momentum state control on multiple spectral channels. This is done by using electrically controllable ``topological pixels" that independently behave as geometric phase micro-optical elements relying on self-engineered liquid crystal defects. These results open interesting opportunities in optical manipulation, sensing, imaging, and communications, as well as information processing. In particular, spectral vortex modulation allows considering singular spatiotemporal shaping of ultrashort pulses which may find applications in many areas such as material processing, spectroscopy, or elementary particles acceleration.

Producing superfluid circulation states using phase imprinting

Abstract: We propose a method to prepare states of given quantized circulation in annular Bose-Einstein condensates (BEC) confined in a ring trap using the method of phase imprinting without relying on a two-photon angular momentum transfer. The desired phase profile is imprinted on the atomic wave function using a short light pulse with a tailored intensity pattern generated with a Spatial Light Modulator. We demonstrate the realization of 'helicoidal' intensity profiles suitable for this purpose. Due to the diffraction limit, the theoretical steplike intensity profile is not achievable in practice. We investigate the effect of imprinting an intensity profile smoothed by a finite optical resolution onto the annular BEC with a numerical simulation of the time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii equation. This allows us to optimize the intensity pattern for a given target circulation to compensate for the limited resolution.

High sampling rate single-pixel digital holography system employing a DMD and phase-encoded patterns.

Abstract: A single-pixel digital holography system with phase-encoded illumination using a digital micromirror device (DMD) as a spatial light modulator (SLM) is presented. The enhanced switching rate of DMDs, far exceeding the stringent frame-rate of liquid crystal SLMs, allows recording and reconstruction of complex amplitude distributions in just a few seconds. A single amplitude binary modulation device is used for concurrently displaying the phase-encoded sampling patterns, compensating the distortion of the wavefront, and applying phase-shifting, by means of computer generated holograms. Our detection system consists of a simple photodiode that sequentially records the irradiance fluctuations corresponding to the interference between object and reference beams. The system recovers phase and amplitude information even when a diffuser is placed in front of the photodiode.

Single-pulse writing of a concave microlens array.

Abstract: This work developed a method of femtosecond laser (fs-laser) parallel processing assisted by wet etching to fabricate 3D micro-optical components A 2D fs-laser spot array with designed spatial distribution was generated by a spatial light modulator A single-pulse exposure of the entire array was used for parallel processing By subsequent wet etching, a close-packed hexagonal arrangement, 3D concave microlens array on a curved surface with a radius of approximately 120 μm was fabricated, each unit lens of which has designable spatial distribution Characterization of imaging was carried out by a microscope and showed a unique imaging property in multi-planes This method provides a parallel and efficient technique to fabricate 3D micro-optical devices for applications in optofluidics, optical communication, and integrated optics

Optical vortex copier and regenerator in the Fourier domain

Abstract: The generation and manipulation of optical vortices are of fundamental importance in a variety of promising applications. Here, we develop a nonlinear optical paradigm to implement self- and cross-convolution of optical vortex arrays, demonstrating the features of a vortex copier and regenerator. We use a phase-only spatial light modulator to prepare the 1064 nm invisible fundamental light to carry special optical vortex arrays and use a potassium titanyl phosphate crystal to perform type II second-harmonic generation in the Fourier domain to achieve 532 nm visible structured vortices. Based on pure cross-convolution, we succeed in copying arbitrary-order single vortices as well as their superposition states onto a prearranged array of fundamental Gaussian spots. Also, based on the simultaneous effect of self- and cross-convolutions, we can expand the initial vortex lattices to regenerate more vortices carrying various higher topological charges. Our presented method of realizing an optical vortex copier and regenerator could find direct applications in optical manipulation, optical imaging, optical communication, and quantum information processing with structured vortex arrays.

Generation of millijoule few-cycle pulses at 5 μm by indirect spectral shaping of the idler in an optical parametric chirped pulse amplifier

Abstract: Spectral pulse shaping in a high-intensity midwave-infrared (MWIR) optical parametric chirped pulse amplifier (OPCPA) operating at 1 kHz repetition rate is reported. We successfully apply a MWIR spatial light modulator (SLM) for the generation of ultrashort idler pulses at 5 μm wavelength. Only bulk optics and active phase control of the 3.5 μm signal pulses via the SLM are employed for generating compressed idler pulses with a duration of 80 fs. The 80-fs pulse duration corresponds to less than five optical cycles at the central wavelength of 5.0 μm. The pulse energy amounts to 1.0 mJ, which translates into a peak power of 10 GW. The generated pulse parameters represent record values for high-intensity MWIR OPCPAs.

Image Encryption Based on Interleaved Computer-Generated Holograms

Abstract: An encryption method based on interleaved computer-generated holograms (CGHs) displayed by a spatial light modulator (SLM) is demonstrated. Arbitrary decrypted complex optical wave fields are reconstructed in the rear focal plane of two phase-only holograms, generated from original image using a vector decomposition algorithm. Two CGHs are encoded into one hologram by interleaving the column of pixels, which optically combines the optical wave fields of two neighboring phase-only modulated pixels. The designed image encryption system may avoid the inherent silhouette problem and alleviate the precise alignment requirements of interference encryption. Video encryption and real-time dynamic decryption is demonstrated using one SLM.

Adaptive wavefront interferometry for unknown free-form surfaces.

Abstract: The primary problem of conventional wavefront interferometers is limited dynamic range. Unknown free-form surface figure error with large amplitude or slope is not measurable for too dense or invisible fringes. To troubleshoot this problem, we propose adaptive wavefront interferometry (AWI). AWI utilizes a wavefront sensor-less adaptive optics (AO) subsystem to intelligently speculate and compensate the unknown free-form surface figure error. In this subsystem, adaptive null optics is utilized to iteratively generate adaptive wavefronts to compensate the unknown severe surface figure error. The adaptive null optics is close-loop controlled (i.e., wavefront sensor-less optimization algorithms are utilized to control it by real time monitoring the compensation effects to guarantee convergence of the iteration). Ultimately, invisible fringes turn into resolvable ones, and null test is further realized. To demonstrate the feasibility of AWI, we designed one spatial light modulator (SLM) based AWI modality as an example. The system is based on a commercial interferometer and is easy to establish. No other elements are required besides the SLM. Principle, simulation, and experiments for the SLM based AWI are demonstrated.

Dynamic laser beam shaping for material processing using hybrid holograms

Abstract: A high quality, dynamic laser beam shaping method is demonstrated by displaying a series of hybrid holograms onto a spatial light modulator (SLM), while each one of the holograms consists of a binary grating and a geometric mask. A diffraction effect around the shaped beam has been significantly reduced. Beam profiles of arbitrary shape, such as square, ring, triangle, pentagon and hexagon, can be conveniently obtained by loading the corresponding holograms on the SLM. The shaped beam can be reconstructed in the range of 0.5 mm at the image plane. Ablation on a polished stainless steel sample at the image plane are consistent with the beam shape at the diffraction near-field. The ±1st order and higher order beams can be completely removed when the grating period is smaller than 160 μm. The local energy ratio of the shaped beam observed by the CCD camera is up to 77.67%. Dynamic processing at 25 Hz using different shapes has also been achieved.

Investigation of the thermal and optical performance of a spatial light modulator with high average power picosecond laser exposure for materials processing applications

Abstract: Spatial light modulators (SLMs) addressed with computer generated holograms (CGHs) can create structured light fields on demand when an incident laser beam is diffracted by a phase CGH. The power handling limitations of these devices based on a liquid crystal layer has always been of some concern. With careful engineering of chip thermal management, we report the detailed optical phase and temperature response of a liquid cooled SLM exposed to picosecond laser powers up to 〈P〉 = 220 W at 1064 nm. This information is critical for determining device performance at high laser powers. SLM chip temperature rose linearly with incident laser exposure, increasing by only 5 °C at 〈P〉 = 220 W incident power, measured with a thermal imaging camera. Thermal response time with continuous exposure was 1–2 s. The optical phase response with incident power approaches 2π radians with average power up to 〈P〉 = 130 W, hence the operational limit, while above this power, liquid crystal thickness variations limit phase response to just over $\pi $ radians. Modelling of the thermal and phase response with exposure is also presented, supporting experimental observations well. These remarkable performance characteristics show that liquid crystal based SLM technology is highly robust when efficiently cooled. High speed, multi-beam plasmonic surface micro-structuring at a rate R = 8 cm2 s−1 is achieved on polished metal surfaces at 〈P〉 = 25 W exposure while diffractive, multi-beam surface ablation with average power 〈P〉 =100 W on stainless steel is demonstrated with ablation rate of ~4 mm3 min−1. However, above 130 W, first order diffraction efficiency drops significantly in accord with the observed operational limit. Continuous exposure for a period of 45 min at a laser power of 〈P〉 = 160 W did not result in any detectable drop in diffraction efficiency, confirmed afterwards by the efficient parallel beam processing at 〈P〉 = 100 W. Hence, no permanent changes in SLM phase response characteristics have been detected. This research work will help to accelerate the use of liquid crystal spatial light modulators for both scientific and ultra high throughput laser-materials micro-structuring applications.