Binary-optical memory based on an optically addressed ferroelectric liquid crystal spatial light modulator

Abstract

As a proof of concept demonstration a single-pixel optical memory system was constructed and tested successfully. The system used polarization-based logic employing two optically addressed spatial light modulators (OASLMs).1 The devices consist of a hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a:Si-H) photosensor and ferroelectric liquid crystal modulator. The memory system used two devices in a synchronous feedback configuration in which each OASLM was refreshed while the opposite device stored the data.2 The system operated at 500 Hz and was limited by the optical power available to write to the photosensor.